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This quick-reference guide can be taken out in the field, enabling biologists and other professionals to safely collect tissue samples for analysis in the laboratory to accurately detect contaminants of concern. It reviews sample collection from a multitude of taxa and for various environmental contaminants. It provides guidelines for animal welfare while handling wildlife for sample collection, using appropriate personal protective equipment, establishing a high-quality field laboratory, documentation of sample collection and laboratory submission, and maintaining a database.
List of contents
Introduction. Overview of why collect samples from wildlife for toxicology analysis. Importance of personnel safety during wildlife sample collection and processing. Importance of developing formal standard operating procedures in ecotoxicology sample. Collection and processing for laboratory analysis. Laboratory analysis. Sampling design for statistical robustness. Interpretation of laboratory results and comparison with reference site.
Logistics of field sample collection and handling. Animal welfare for collection of samples from wild animals. Permits and licenses required for wildlife handling and tranquilizer drugs. PPE. Establishing field laboratory sampling and processing protocols. Collection of epidemiologic and forensic data at exposure site. Field laboratory standardization/QA/QC.
Taxa. Sampling techniques in live and deceased animals. Required permits/licenses for collection, drug use, etc. Resources for obtaining additional information about handling taxa for sample collection.
Contaminant overview. Name. Use. Status of its use now. Media most likely to be contaminated. Health effects: overview of clinical signs and pathology observed in animals exposed. Substance. Bioaccumulation potential. Sample handling and laboratory submission. Resources for obtaining additional information about a given contaminant.
Appendices.
