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. 2008 Jul 15;398(1-3):20-5.
doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.02.051. Epub 2008 Apr 28.

Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury, and selenium in feathers of Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) and Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) from Prince William Sound, Alaska

Joanna Burger  1 , Michael Gochfeld, Kelsey Sullivan, David Irons, Aly McKnight
Affiliations

Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury, and selenium in feathers of Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) and Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) from Prince William Sound, Alaska

Joanna Burger et al. Sci Total Environ. .

Abstract

Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury and selenium were analyzed in the feathers of Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) from Shoup Bay in Prince William Sound, Alaska to determine if there were age-related differences in metal levels, and in Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani)) from the same region to determine if there were differences in oiled and unoiled birds. Except for mercury, there were no age-related differences in metals levels in the feathers of kittiwakes. Kittiwakes over 13 years of age had the highest levels of mercury. There were no differences in levels of metals in the feathers of oystercatchers from oiled and unoiled regions of Prince William Sound. Except for mercury, the feathers of oystercatchers had significantly higher levels of all metals than those of kittiwakes. Levels of mercury in kittiwake feathers (mean of 2910 ng/g [ppb]) were within the range of many species of seabirds reported for other studies, and were generally below adverse effects levels.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Map showing locations where black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) and black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) from Prince William Sound were captured for feather collection.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Capture area of black oystercatcher in Western Prince William Sound.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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