Mercury in polar bears from Alaska

Journal Article · Tue Mar 31 23:00:00 EST 1987 · J. Wildl. Dis.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-23.2.338· OSTI ID:6326462

Lentfer, J W; Galster, W A

Alaskan polar bear (Ursus maritimus) muscle and liver samples collected in 1972 were analyzed for total mercury. Bears north of Alaska had more mercury than bears west of Alaska. The only difference between young and adult animals was in the northern area where adults had more mercury in liver tissue than young animals. Levels were probably not high enough to be a serious threat to bears.

• Research Organization: Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, Juneau
• OSTI ID: 6326462
• Journal Information: J. Wildl. Dis.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Wildl. Dis.; (United States) Vol. 2; ISSN JWIDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AGE DEPENDENCE
ALASKA
ANIMALS
ARCTIC REGIONS
BEARS
BIOLOGICAL LOCALIZATION
BODY
CONTAMINATION
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
ELEMENTS
FEDERAL REGION X
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATIONS
GLANDS
LIVER
MAMMALS
MERCURY
METABOLISM
METALS
MUSCLES
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANS
POLAR REGIONS
USA
VARIATIONS
VERTEBRATES