Assessing some essential trace elements concentration in micro chiropteran bat (Megaderma lyra): A study in Barak Valley of Assam, India

Abstract

Bioaccumulation of essential trace elements in the living systems is a common phenomenon. Although sufficient information is available on their accumulation in insects and higher animals, information on trace elements accumulation in bats is relatively scanty. Keeping this in the backdrop, the present study was carried out to assess Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe in the tissues of four different organs of Megaderma lyra collected from Barak Valley, Assam (India). All the four essential elements from the tissues and organs like the kidney, liver, lungs, and patagium of M. lyra were analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. Concentrations of essential trace elements were measured in terms of μg/g dry weight (dw). The study revealed that Zn and Mn concentration did not differ significantly among the studied body tissues whereas the concentration of Cu and Fe varied significantly among the studied organs. The concentration of Zn and Fe was high in the body of M. lyra while Mn and Cu were found as trace amounts. ANOVA revealed that essential trace elements differ significantly in all the studied tissues of M. lyra. The study concluded that the essential trace elements in the body tissues of M. lyra were within the threshold limits and the data presented can be used as baseline values for non-polluting sites.

Keywords

• Barak valley
• Insectivorous
• Megaderma lyra
• Trace elements