Lead exposure in passerines inhabiting lead-contaminated floodplains in the Coeur d'Alene River Basin, Idaho, USA

Journal Article · Tue Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1999 · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1897/1551-5028(1999)018<1190:LEIPIL>2.3.CO;2· OSTI ID:6333914

Johnson, G D; Kern, J W; Strickland, M D; McDonald, L L ^[1]; Audet, D J; LeCaptain, L J ^[2]; Hoffman, D J ^[3]

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1. Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc., Cheyenne, WY (United States)
2. Fish and Wildlife Service, Spokane, WA (United States)
3. Geological Survey, Laurel, MD (United States)

Blood collected from song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) and American robins (Turdus migratorius) captured with mist nets in a lead-contaminated (assessment) area and nearby uncontaminated (reference) areas within the Coeur d'Alene Basin in northern Idaho was analyzed for [delta]-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity (ALAD) and hematocrit levels, and livers were analyzed for lead. Mean ALAD inhibition in the assessment area was 51% in song sparrows and 75% in American robins. The proportion of the sampled population with ALAD inhibition > 50% was calculated to be 43% for song sparrows and 83% for American robins. Assessment area hematocrit values for song sparrows and American robins were lower than in reference areas; however, differences were not statistically significant. Significantly higher levels of lead (wet weight) were found in livers from song sparrows captured on the assessment area ([bar x] = 1.93 ppm) than on reference areas. Study results indicate that 43% of the song sparrows and 83% of the American robins inhabiting the floodplain along the Coeur d'Alene River in the assessment area are being exposed to lead at levels sufficient to inhibit ALAD by > 50%. Variability in lead exposure indicators was attributed to high variability in environmental lead concentrations in the Coeur d'Alene River Basin.

• OSTI ID: 6333914
• Journal Information: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Vol. 18:6; ISSN 0730-7268
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
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GENETIC VARIABILITY
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ANIMALS
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