All Outputs (3)

Method development to characterise elephant tail hairs by LA-ICP-MS to reflect changes in elemental chemistry (2022)
Journal Article
Sach, F., Fields, L., Chenery, S., Yon, L., Henley, M. D., Buss, P., …Watts, M. J. (2023). Method development to characterise elephant tail hairs by LA-ICP-MS to reflect changes in elemental chemistry. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 45(4), 1153-1164. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-022-01207-x

This paper evaluated analytical methods used to generate time-series data from elephant tail hairs, which can be used to reflect changing exposure to environmental geochemistry. Elephant tail hairs were analysed by three methods sequentially, each pr... Read More about Method development to characterise elephant tail hairs by LA-ICP-MS to reflect changes in elemental chemistry.

Potential bio-indicators for assessment of mineral status in elephants (2020)
Journal Article
Sach, F., Dierenfeld, E. S., Langley-Evans, S. C., Hamilton, E., Lark, R. M., Yon, L., & Watts, M. J. (2020). Potential bio-indicators for assessment of mineral status in elephants. Scientific Reports, 10, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-64780-0

© 2020, The Author(s). The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) identify suitable bio-indicators to assess elemental status in elephants using captive elephant samples, and (2) understand how geochemistry influences mineral intake. Tail hair, toenail,... Read More about Potential bio-indicators for assessment of mineral status in elephants.

Spatial geochemistry influences the home range of elephants (2020)
Journal Article
Sach, F., Yon, L., Henley, M. D., Bedetti, A., Buss, P., de Boer, W. F., …Watts, M. J. (2020). Spatial geochemistry influences the home range of elephants. Science of the Total Environment, 729, Article 139066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139066

© 2020 Elsevier B.V. The unique geochemistry surrounding the Palabora Mining Company (PMC) land may act as a micronutrient hotspot, attracting elephants to the area. The PMC produces refined copper and extracts phosphates and other minerals. Understa... Read More about Spatial geochemistry influences the home range of elephants.