Trophic Level Variations of Heavy Metals in Feathers of Birds from Awotan Landfill in Ibadan Nigeria

Global pollution from urbanization and technology exerts pressure on ecosystems through xenobiotics, especially heavy metals, which bioaccumulate and biomagnifies across food chains and trophic levels. In Nigeria, poorly managed landfills remain critical pollution hotspots, contributing to biodiversity loss and necessitating non-invasive ecotoxicological assessments. This study analyzed 13 metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Al, B, Se, Hg) in feathers of four bird species: Hirundo aethiopica and Anthus leucophrys (insectivores), Streptopelia senegalensis (granivore), and Turdus pelios (omnivore) using FAAS. Diversity indices and abundance were estimated via point counts, while ANOVA tested inter-trophic variation. Results showed elevated iron levels in insectivores (2.6985 ± 0.1975 ppm) compared to granivores (2.0100 ± 0.3172 ppm). Insectivores also accumulated higher levels of Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Se, and Hg, whereas granivores consistently had lower concentrations. Significant differences were detected across trophic levels (p < 0.05). Findings indicate landfills serve as reservoirs of heavy metal pollution, with resident birds acting as effective sentinels of bioaccumulation, asymmetry, and ecosystem stress. Feather-based monitoring offers a reliable tool for tracking contaminant fate and predicting ecological risk.