Liver mercury and methylmercury concentrations in New England common loons (Gavia immer)
- Tufts Univ. School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA (United States)
Loons are of special interest to environmental scientists, who see them as a sentinel species for environmental health. This bird is a top predator in both fresh- and saltwater environments. A number of studies have been published regarding contaminant-related loon pathology, and they have repeatedly found Hg contamination and ingestion of lead fishing gear to be of particular concern. Since 1989 the authors have been studying regional patterns of loon mortality and have examined more than 400 birds. One segment of this study has been to document contaminants found in loons and to attempt to associate health effects with these contaminants. This article details some of their work on Hg in loons. Liver samples collected from common loons found dead were analyzed for mercury and methylmercury concentrations. Statistical analyses demonstrated no correlation between total mercury and methylmercury levels.
- OSTI ID:
- 580755
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9604239--
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 17; ISSN ETOCDK; ISSN 0730-7268
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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