Mercury residues in wood ducks and wood duck foods in eastern Tennessee

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · J. Wildl. Dis.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-19.2.114· OSTI ID:5577499

Lindsay, R C; Dimmick, R W

Liver, breast muscle and body fat from 50 juvenile and five adult wood ducks (Aix sponsa) collected on the Holston River, Tennessee were analyzed for total mercury content. Black fly larvae (Simulium vittatum) sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus), tapegrass (Vallisneria americanus), water stargrass (Heteranthera dubia), Elodea canadensis, and river bottom sediments were also analyzed to elucidate the distribution of mercury in the wood duck's environment. Liver tissues of juveniles contained the highest mean concentration of mercury (0.42 ppm). Mercury in breast muscle and body fat of juveniles averaged 0.15 and 0.10 ppm, respectively. Residues in corresponding tissues of adults were lower. Of environmental components tested, sediments had the highest mean concentration (0.76 ppm). Black fly larvae and aquatic plants had mean levels below 0.10 ppm.

• Research Organization: Haywood Technical College, Clyde, North Carolina
• OSTI ID: 5577499
• Journal Information: J. Wildl. Dis.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Wildl. Dis.; (United States) Vol. 19:2; ISSN JWIDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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ADIPOSE TISSUE
ANIMAL TISSUES
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
ARTHROPODS
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BIRDS
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NORTH AMERICA
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TISSUES
USA
VERTEBRATES
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