Comparative metal profiles in different organs of house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and black kite (Milvus migrans) in Sargodha District, Punjab, Pakistan

The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of trace metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, Mn, Cd and Co) in different organs (i.e., liver, kidney, muscles, lungs, stomach, bones, and feathers) of house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and black kite (Milvus migrans), from different areas of Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. Zn, Pb, Cu, Mn, Cd and Co were significantly higher in black kite as compared to those measured for house sparrow. Bioaccumulation trends of studied trace metals into different tissue were specific-specific Zn was higher in bones (23.5 mg/kg), Mn in stomach (4.8 mg/kg), Pb in liver (4.3 mg/kg), Cu in bones (0.9 mg/kg), Cd in liver (11.2 mg/kg) and Co in feathers (1.9 mg/kg) of black kite. However, Zn was higher in feathers (14.7 mg/kg), Mn in stomach (2.7 mg/kg), Pb in lungs (4.6 mg/kg), Cu in bones (0.63 mg/kg), Cd in liver (6.14 mg/kg), and Co in muscles (2.5 mg/kg) of house sparrow. The present study would be helpful to understand the concentration of heavy metals in birds regarding biomagnifications and bioaccumulation in bird and its organs.