Mercury in polar bears from Alaska

Journal Article · Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 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), Vol. 2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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