Oxidative stress of House Sparrow as bioindicator of urban pollution

Air pollution in urban areas constitutes a threat for human health and wildlife. For this reason the effect of these pollutants on living organisms must be monitored accurately. Analysis of oxidative stress generated by exposure to pollutants can be used as a reliable biomarker; and House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) may be used as an ecological indicator due to its worldwide distribution, non-migratory status and its association with anthropic areas. In this study, several markers of oxidative stress have been evaluated in blood of House Sparrow using a non-invasive sampling method. Populations from urban and rural areas with differential pollution levels were analyzed. Results showed significant differences in two oxidative stress markers: haemoglobin (Hb) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), both lower in urban populations. Environment pollution degree may affect oxidative stress status of erythrocytes, therefore these biomarkers could be a useful tool to evaluate the effects of pollutants on living organisms.