Assessing toxic element contamination in protected areas: A case study of the Sungun copper mine's impact on wildlife

Mining activities significantly contribute to the concentration of toxic elements (TEs) in protected areas (PAs), adversely affecting wildlife. The presence of the Sungun porphyry copper mine within the Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve (ABR) in East Azarbaijan, Iran, raises concerns about the potential impacts of TE contamination on the local ecosystem. This study pioneers the non-invasive monitoring of faecal toxic elements in Iran’s protected areas, offering the first comparative analysis between the mining-impacted ABR and the relatively pristine Kiamaky Wildlife Refuge (KWR). We collected faecal samples from herbivorous (Capra aegagrus, Lepus europaeus) and carnivorous (Canis lupus, Lynx lynx) mammals across these sites and analyzed arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) concentrations using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results showed significantly higher TE levels in ABR compared to KWR (eg PB median 17.7 ± 3.2 µg/kg vs. 1.9 ± 0.5 µg/kg; p < 0.01). Carnivores exhibited elevated As (median 14.00 ± 2.1 µg/kg) and Cd (4.85 ± 1.1 µg/kg) relative to herbivores, while herbivores had higher Pb (11.20 ± 2.4 µg/kg) levels. Our findings underscore the value of faecal biomonitoring as a non-invasive, cost-effective tool for assessing toxic element exposure in wildlife, providing critical data for conservation management in mining-affected landscapes. Importantly, this study informs targeted monitoring and intervention strategies necessary to safeguard biodiversity in Iran’s protected areas.