High levels of cadmium in Atlantic seabirds and sea-skaters

Abstract

100% because very limited sample sizes precluded determination of carbon dioxide, moisture, and ignition loss.X-ray diffraction patterns of each sample revealed a poorly-crystalline apatite-like phase representing hydroxyapatite, Caio(OH)2(PO,)G, a major component of calculus"-D. Considerable quartz was also present, together with some calcium silicate, Ca3Si201, or calcium aluminium silicate, CaAhSi,Q". The similarity of the compositions indicates that the teeth were in contact for long periods with ground water from which silica precipitated within the relatively porous calculus structure. Table 2 Major and minor elemental analysis of dental deposits Element

Cadmium in aquatic food webs

“…A later paper by Cheng and Harrison (1983) confirmed seabird predation on a related species (Halobates sericeus). None of the birds were of the same species as those in the report by Bull et al (1977), and most of the birds fed only occasionally on the insects. Peden et al (1973) implied that aquatic organisms may be potential sources of Cd for herring gulls (Larus argentatus).…”

“…Bull et al (1977) reported Cd levels varying from 1.4 to 57.0 ILgog-t in the livers and 14.6 to 240 ILgog-t in the kidneys of pelagic seabirds and suggested that high levels of Cd in pelagic seabirds reflected possible dietary consumption of contaminated organisms far out at sea. High levels of Cd (up to 25 p.go g-t) reported in seaskaters (Halobates micans) were cited as potential Cd sources for the seabirds.…”

Cadmium and copper levels in seals, penguins and skuas from the Weddell Sea in 1982/1983

“…Schneppenheim ( Bull et al (1977). Anderlini et al (1972), comparing Cd concentrations in petrels and tern eggs from the Antarctic and from North America, found rather similar concentrations at both sites.…”

Occurrence, distribution and abundance of Halobates micans Eschscholtz, 1822 (Heteroptera, Gerridae) along the southeastern Brazilian coast

“…Sea birds and sea turtles have also been reported as Halobates predators (Senta et al, 1993;Witherington, 2002). Bull et al (1977), Cheng et al (1984) and Schulz-Baldes (1989) have suggested that Halobates micans could be used as a bioindicator of cadmium distribution in the surface waters. Since these insects live at the sea-air interface, they could also be used as indicators of changes in ocean surface layer brought about by anthropogenic action.…”