Diagnosis of heavy metal contamination in agro-ecology of Gujranwala, Pakistan using cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) as bioindicator.

The present study investigated the status of heavy metals: Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Cobolt (Co), Silver (Ag) and Nickle (Ni) residues in egg, regurgitate and sediment samples collected from two colonies of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) during the breeding seasons between April and August in 2004 and 2005. The mean concentration of heavy metals in eggs and regurgitates was found higher compared to the maximum residue limit (mrl) standards prescribed by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A further comparison was made with a similar study conducted in China. High concentrations of heavy metals have contributed to the altered breeding behaviour of the bird species studied. Based on these findings we suggested a regular monitoring of the spread of these pollutants as these have not yet reached to the sediments.