El Plumbisme en ocells aquàtics als Països Catalans: diagnosi d¿una situació censurable

Abstract

Many wetland areas from the Catalan Countries have been subject to intense waterfowl shooting for decades. Shot pellets used in this activity have traditionally been made of lead, a heavy metal reputed by its high toxicity. In the sediments of some wetland areas, millions of these small contaminant and toxic objects have been accumulating in such a way that as much as 200 to 300 pellets per square meter can be found in some wetlands at the Ebro Delta or the Albufera de València. Waterbirds are the main group of animals suffering from this contamination in their habitats, since they can swallow the pellets as they mistake them by grit or food. The problem needs immediate solution, because about 70 % of the individuals of some species can be found poisoned in these areas. Attention should be also put on lead pellets spread on terrestrial ecosystems, which can be a serious danger for terrestrial wildlife and humans.