Dynamics of Heavy Metals in the Blood of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) Across Different Urban Habitats in Meknes, Morocco

Abstract This study examines the accumulation of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and zinc) in the blood of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) across various urban habitats in Meknes, Morocco. Fifty adult sparrows were captured from five distinct sites, including industrial, high-traffic, and rural areas. Blood samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Results show significant variations in heavy metal concentrations depending on the site. The highest levels were found in the industrial zone, with lead (Pb) at 336.02 µg/L, cadmium (Cd) at 12.28 µg/L, and zinc (Zn) at 1736.09 µg/L. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering revealed three distinct pollution clusters: Cluster 0 (high Zn, low Pb and Cd), Cluster 1 (moderate levels of all metals), and Cluster 2 (high levels of all metals). These findings highlight the ecological and health risks associated with urban pollution and the value of house sparrows as effective bioindicators.