Spatial variation and biovectoring of metals in gull faeces

We assessed the spatial variation in concentrations of ten metals faeces lesser black-backed gull (LBBG) Larus fuscus wintering at seven localities South-West Spain. found high faeces, with several elements (As, Cu, Mo, Pb, Zn) locally exceeding (by 2 to 11 times) derived Lowest Effect Level (LEL) values. also strong variation, related main pollution sources associated different sites. Faeces from Chipiona Port (Gulf Cádiz) showed highest levels As; Cetina saltpans (Bay ranked first for Zn and which was consistent historic mining industrial pollution; Doñana ricefields Mn, a highly available element flooded areas; while landfills Cd, Co, Cr, Cu Ni, potentially electronic waste. Furthermore, we demonstrate how faecal analysis can be used quantify biovectoring into specific localities, using LBBG movement ecology census data. At Fuente de Piedra, shallow, closed-basin lake important waterbirds, show that metal inputs by have increased recent years, long-term deposition (e.g., Pb) may impact aquatic communities ecological processes this Ramsar site.