Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in liver tissues of three Anas species in Al-Hawizah marshes, southern Iraq

Bioaccumulation of Cadmium, lead, Copper, Zinc, and Iron was investigated in the liver tissues of three migratory bird species viz. Anas platyrhynchos, A. crecca, and A. acuta of both sexes in autumn and winter. Bird samples were collected from autumn 2021 to winter 2022 from Al- Hawizeh Marshes, Misan Province, Iraq. The results showed that Cd in liver tissues ranged from 0.73 to 8.174 ppm during winter and autumn, respectively in males of A. crecca. Pb ranged from 0.076 to 0.922 ppm in females and males of A. platyrhynchos during winter and autumn, respectively. Cu varied from 0.635 to 4.62 ppm in males of A. platyrhynchos during autumn and winter, respectively. Zn ranged between 0.402 ppm in males of A. acuta and 2 ppm in females A. platyrhynchos and A. crecca during autumn and winter, respectively. Fe ranged between 1.544 ppm in males of A. acuta and 15.85 ppm in females of A. platyrhynchos during autumn and winter, respectively. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Fe were higher than the permissible limit, whereas Zn and Pb were within permissible FAO.