The role of Ascaridia columbae in bioremediation of heavy metal accumulation in Columba livia tissues

Pigeons are susceptible to various pollutants. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of nematode parasites in the bioremediation of metal accumulation in domestic pigeon Columba livia. A total of 26 domestic pigeons from poultry farm in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; were collected randomly. The concentration of elements in infected and non-infected pigeons was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The levels of the metal varied that depending on different tissues. During this study, zinc was measured as the dominant metal. Overall, the results showed that all heavy metals concentrations in liver samples were significantly higher than in other pigeon tissues. Nematodes have been collected and described in the intestinal tract of pigeons. The results showed that intestinal nematode parasites in the tissues of infected pigeons caused a significant decrease in metal concentrations compared to non-infected ones. Bioaccumulation factors have shown that nematode parasites have a higher concentration potential than pigeon tissues. Adult nematode infection in domestic pigeons is considered a biomarker of heavy metal contamination, and its presence reduced the biosynthesis of heavy metals in pigeon tissues.