EXPOSURE AND EFFECTS OF TOXIC TRACE METALS IN BIRDS OF PAKISTAN

Increasing concentration of trace metals in the environment and their subsequenthealth effects living organisms has become a major threat particularly developing parts theworld. Therefore present study was designed to investigate such asPb, Cd, Cr Cu liver, pectoral muscle, pelvic muscle blood two terrestrial (Bank Myna;Acridotheres ginginianus Jungle Babbler; Turdoides striata) aquatic (Grey Heron; Ardeacinerea Cattle Egret; Bubulcus ibis) bird species collected from premises Lahore, Pakistan.The detection frequency samples were highest Cd (100%) followed byPb (83%), (80%) (76.5%). Species revealed heterogeneous levels all organs. Ingeneral mean (µg/g) organs speciesfollowed pattern as Pb > contrary which trend Pb> Cd. Highest (3.23 µg/g) reported jungle babbler,Cd (0.15 liver bank myna, (0.40 Egret (1.89µg/g) Egret. Whereas lowest (0µg/g) (0.09 wasreported Grey Heron respectively, Bank Myna,Grey Egret, (0 Heron, Babbler.Concentration varied significantly (P<0.05) among however, no significant difference(P>0.05) observed except Cu(P<0.05). Further, difference (P>0.05)of between feeding guilds habitat species. The increasing concentrationof toxic birds reflects deteriorating environmental health result greater metalsexposure must be reduced through proper legislation strict implementation laws.