Elevated mercury levels in a wintering population of common eiders ( Somateria mollissima ) in the northeastern United States

Meattey, Dustin E.; Savoy, Lucas; Beuth, Josh; Pau, Nancy; O’Brien, Kathleen; Osenkowski, Jason E.; Regan, Kevin; Lasorsa, Brenda K.; Johnson, Ian

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.07.015

Cited by 16 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Although adverse effect thresholds for Hg in blood of sea ducks have not been determined (Meattey et al, 2014), the concentrations in the present study (62 -343 µg/kg ww) were lower than most previously reported threshold concentrations for toxic effects in birds (Wolfe et al, 1998;Scheuhammer et al, 2007). For instance, 700 µg/kg and 3000 µg/kg ww resulted in reproductive effects in common loons (Gavia immer) and Carolina wrens (Thryothorus ludovicianus), respectively.…”

contrasting

confidence: 78%

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Blood and feather concentrations of toxic elements in a Baltic and an Arctic seabird population

Fenstad

Bustnes

Lierhagen

et al. 2017

Marine Pollution Bulletin

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We report blood and feather concentrations of elements in the Baltic Sea and Arctic population of common eiders (Somateria mollissima). The endangered Baltic Sea population of eiders was demonstrably affected by element pollution in the 1990s. While blood concentrations of Hg were higher in Baltic breeding eiders, blood Se, As and Cd concentrations were higher in Arctic eiders. Blood concentrations of Pb, Cr, Zn and Cu did not differ between the two populations. While blood Pb concentrations had declined in Baltic eiders since the 1990s, Hg concentrations had not declined, and were above concentrations associated with adverse oxidative effects in other bird species. Inconsistent with blood concentrations, feather concentrations suggested that Pb, Zn, and Cd exposure was higher in Baltic eiders, and that Hg exposure was higher in Arctic eiders. Our study thus emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluation of toxic element status, covering the annual cycle of a species.

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contrasting

confidence: 78%

“…The blood molar relationship between Se and Hg was 92 in Svalbard eiders compared to 19 in Baltic eiders. However, Hg sensitivity varies between avian species (Heinz et al, 2009), and the sensitivity of eiders to Hg compared to other seabird species is unknown (Meattey et al, 2014). Thus, potential effects from Hg exposure in eiders warrants further studies.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Blood and feather concentrations of toxic elements in a Baltic and an Arctic seabird population

Fenstad

Bustnes

Lierhagen

et al. 2017

Marine Pollution Bulletin

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“…Further comprehensive studies should determine which species exhibit Hg-related FA by examining multiple structures at once and pinpointing the most affected structure due to contaminant exposure. Although prevalence was high, the amount of mercury found in Common Eiders in our study was quite low compared to other studies (0.83 µg/g blood Hg; Meattey et al 2014) that also did not find adverse effects related to mercury.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 88%

No relationship between gastrointestinal parasite intensities or mercury burdens on fluctuating asymmetry in Common Eider (<i>Somateria mollissima</i>) mandibles

Scobie

Panopi²,

Bayne³

et al. 2020

Can Field Nat

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Mercury (Hg) emissions have increased since 1950 and biomagnification in Arctic ecosystems can affect animals, particularly at higher trophic levels. Exposure to Hg can negatively affect young developing animals, resulting in altered morphology and ultimately, lower fitness. We examined the relationship of mandible fluctuating asymmetry (FA) with gastrointestinal helminth intensity and breast muscle Hg concentration in Common Eider (Somateria mollissima borealis). Procrustes analysis of variance indicated significant FA but relatively high measurement error. Based on multiple linear regression modelling, there was no significant relationship between FA and Hg concentration or parasite burden. There may be a mismatch in trying to relate amount of Hg and parasite intensity in adults to FA that would have occurred early in life during skeletal development.

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“…The purpose of this study was to examine how Hg and Pb concentrations are directly or indirectly related to physiology, condition and reproduction in a free-living Arctic bird. Overall our findings suggest that blood concentrations of Hg and Pb in breeding female eider ducks in northern Hudson Bay are below reported levels associated with toxic effects (Puls, 1994), and similar or lower to what has been reported for this species at this location (Mallory et al, 2014;Wayland et al, 2001b), as well as in other regions (Franson et al, 2004(Franson et al, , 2000Meattey et al, 2014;Table 10). While I found that generally blood concentrations of Pb and Hg were low, I did find that these blood concentrations significantly varied with several parameters known to influence breeding success in the species.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 72%

“…America (Meattey et al, 2014), including previous studies at East Bay Island (Wayland et al, 2001b; Table 12). While I found that blood Pb showed no significant inter-annual variation (GLM F 1,188 = 0.16, p = 0.68; Table 11; Fig.…”

Section: Trace Element Concentrationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mercury and marine birds in Arctic Canada: pathways, effects, and interactions in a model species

Provencher¹

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Mercury (Hg) is an element naturally found both in the environment, and released through a number of industrial processes. Importantly, Hg is a toxin known to cause a wide variety of effects from changes in endocrine and neurological pathways, to impaired reproduction and decreased survival. Avian species are widely used as indicators of environmental Hg contamination as they are sensitive to its effects and multiple endpoints can be easily assessed. My thesis aims to review and explore the pathways and effects of Hg on Arctic marine birds. First, I review the current levels, known effects and trends in eight marine bird species in northern Canada. Following this review I use a model avian species (the common eider, Somateria molissima) to better understand how Hg may affect marine birds independently and jointly with our other environmental stressors. In Chapter 2 I I would like to thank the northern communities and individuals that supported this work. Many thanks to the Aiviq Hunters' and Trappers' Association in Cape Dorset for their support and assistance with the project, with special thanks to the hunters that made all this work possible; Paulasie Ottokie, Tutuya Qatsiya, Matt Ashevak, and Adamie Sam. Annie Suvega, the manager of the Aiviq Hunter and Trapper Association, has been especially helpful over the years in both planning for field work and in helping to report results back to community members. I would also like to thank my supervisors Grant Gilchrist and Mark Forbes for their support, guidance and encouragement throughout my PhD. Grant and Mark have provided patient and thoughtful advice as I moved through the PhD process. I fully recognize and appreciate the time that Grant and Mark have taken with the formal thesis components, but also with the countless hours they have spent mentoring me through all the other decisions associated with graduate school. I would also like to extend my gratitude to my committee members, Steve Cooke and Alex Poulain. Both Steve and Alex have provided meaningful suggestions and ideas throughout the thesis process. I would like to thank the many students who have worked on this project;

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Elevated mercury levels in a wintering population of common eiders ( Somateria mollissima ) in the northeastern United States

Cited by 16 publications

References 54 publications

Blood and feather concentrations of toxic elements in a Baltic and an Arctic seabird population

Blood and feather concentrations of toxic elements in a Baltic and an Arctic seabird population

No relationship between gastrointestinal parasite intensities or mercury burdens on fluctuating asymmetry in Common Eider (<i>Somateria mollissima</i>) mandibles

Mercury and marine birds in Arctic Canada: pathways, effects, and interactions in a model species

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