Determination of Metals and Selenium Concentrations in Feather of Armenian Gull (Larus Armenicus) Living in Van Lake Basin, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, the heavy metals magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lithium (Li), tin (Sn), cobalt (Co) and selenium (Se) levels were determined in the feathers of Armenian Gull (Larus armenicus), which is a species classified as near threatened (NT) according to IUCN categories. The Gull lives on the islands of Turkey's largest lake, Lake Van. Different levels were detected due to the urban and rural location of the study areas. The highest levels of Mg, Zn, Mn, chromium (Cr), and Li were determined in the Sihke pond near the city's dumpsite. The lowest levels were determined on Adir island, with the least human factors. While the levels of Co, Se, and Sn were high in the samples taken from Akdamar Island, the lowest levels were determined on Carpanak Island and in Sihke pond.