From wetlands to landfills: white stork (Ciconia ciconia L., 1758) as a reliable bioindicator of ecosystem health

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2478/aiht-2025-76-3958

Keywords:

ecotoxicological monitoring, environmental pollutant bioaccumulation, non-invasive biomarker techniques, oxidative stress biomarkers, pollutant-induced physiological responses

Abstract

White storks (Ciconia ciconia L., 1758) and their nestlings have emerged as valuable bioindicators of environmental pollution, particularly in ecosystems affected by human activities. This review explores the role of white storks in biomonitoring, focusing on the use of biomarkers and pollutant analysis to understand the physiological consequences of environmental stressors. Key biomarkers, such as oxidative stress markers, immune responses, and hormonal alterations provide insight into the effects of pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxic compounds. The biomarkers are typically measured in matrices such as blood, feathers, eggs, and tissues, each offering unique advantages in assessing pollutant exposure. However, ethical concerns regarding wildlife monitoring and the potential harm caused by invasive sampling techniques call for non-invasive methods. Future research should explore novel non-invasive techniques and employ long-term monitoring programmes to understand the cumulative effects of pollution. Despite challenges such as biological variability and environmental factors, white storks remain reliable indicators of ecological change and pollutant burden, providing critical data that can guide pollution management policies, inform conservation strategies, and protect both wildlife and human health from current environmental threats.

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Published

27.03.2025

Issue

Section

Review

How to Cite

1.
Bjedov D, Mikuška A, Velki M. From wetlands to landfills: white stork (Ciconia ciconia L., 1758) as a reliable bioindicator of ecosystem health. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 27 [cited 2025 Mar. 31];76(1):1-15. Available from: https://arhiv.imi.hr/index.php/arhiv/article/view/1825

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