Patterns of common loon (Gavia immer) mercury exposure, reproduction, and survival in Wisconsin, USA
- Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, Rhinelander, WI (United States). Bureau of Science Services
- BioDiversity, Inc., Yarmouth, ME (United States)
- Univ. of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI (United States). Coll. of Natural Resources
- Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, Monona, WI (United States). Bureau of Science Services
A long-term study was initiated in 1992 to investigate whether elevated Hg exposure measured in Wisconsin common loons was associated with reduced reproductive performance or survival. Adults loons and chicks were captured on 45 lakes during 1992 and 1993, each was individually color-marked with plastic leg bands, and blood and feathers were collected for Hg analysis. Adult return rates and reproductive outcome were then recorded for the 45 lakes from 1993 to 1996. A significant linear relationship was observed between lake pH and log-transformed adult blood Hg and chick blood Hg concentrations. Egg Hg concentrations were within the range associated with reduced hatching success or reduced survival of embryos or hatchlings in other sensitive avian species. Chick production was lower at lakes where chick blood Hg concentrations were elevated. However, no relationship was observed between levels of adult Hg exposure and reproductive performance or annual adult return rates (an index of survival). Establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between Hg exposure and loon fitness is complicated by the negative correlation between lake pH and Hg exposure and potential confounding with other influences on productivity that may also be related to lake pH.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 580750
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9604239-; ISSN 0730-7268; TRN: IM9807%%3
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Vol. 17, Issue 2; Conference: Wildlife Mercury Conference, Fairfax, VA (United States), 12-13 Apr 1996; Other Information: PBD: Feb 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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