We utilized lead (Pb) stable isotopes to identify the source of acute Pb poisoning in a Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) and evaluated overall Pb exposure. Upon necropsy, we obtained samples of blood, liver, kidney, heart, thigh, breast, femur, and metallic objects (i.e., fishing sinker, spring and swivels) from the gizzard for Pb isotopic analysis. Pb isotope ratios of blood and soft tissues were essentially identical to the Pb ratios of the sinker, the likely source of acute poisoning. The spring and swivels had lower Pb content and ratios distinct from tissue, suggesting no significant contribution to poisoning. Femur Pb isotopic composition was the most distinct biological sample and indicative of a combination of sources. These results demonstrate isotopic analysis as a viable method for determining the source of acute Pb poisoning, and that Pb isotope ratios in bone most likely record a lifetime-averaged metric of Pb exposure.

我们利用铅（Pb）稳定同位素鉴定了苔原天鹅（Cygnus columbianus）并评估了总体铅暴露量。尸检后，我们从the中获得了血液，肝脏，肾脏，心脏，大腿，乳房，股骨和金属物体（例如，钓鱼坠，弹簧和旋转接头）的样品，用于Pb同位素分析。血液和软组织的铅同位素比值与沉降片（可能是急性中毒的来源）的铅比值基本相同。春季和转体的铅含量较低，比率与组织不同，表明对中毒无明显贡献。股骨Pb同位素组成是最独特的生物学样品，并指示多种来源。这些结果表明，同位素分析是确定急性Pb中毒来源的可行方法，并且骨骼中Pb同位素比很可能记录了Pb暴露的终生平均值。