Affiliation:
1. J.C. Franson U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53711
2. T.E. Hollmén Alaska SeaLife Center and College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 301 Railway Avenue, Seward, Alaska 99664
3. P.L. Flint U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508
4. A.C. Matz U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Road, MS-361, Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Abstract
Abstract
In 2001, we collected whole blood from sea ducks—Steller's eider Polysticta stelleri, harlequin duck Histrionicus histrionicus, black scoter Melanitta nigra, and long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis—wintering at Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and from Steller's eiders molting at Izembek Lagoon on the Alaska Peninsula. Analysis of blood samples was done for 19 trace elements, of which 17 were detected in one or more samples. In Steller's eiders, mean concentrations of six trace elements (As, B, Fe, Hg, Se, and Mo) were greater at Dutch Harbor and mean concentrations of four trace elements (Cr, Cu, Mg, and Zn) were greater at Izembek Lagoon. Among sea ducks at Dutch Harbor, mean concentrations of five trace elements (Cu, Hg, Se, Zn, and V) differed by species: Steller's eiders had greater concentrations of Cu, Zn, and V in their blood; black scoters had the highest concentration of Se; and harlequin ducks had the highest Hg level, with a mean concentration slightly above a threshold effect level. One Steller's eider and one harlequin duck from Dutch Harbor had blood Pb levels above background concentrations. We have no observations to indicate that concentrations of these trace elements were associated with adverse effects.
Publisher
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Subject
Nature and Landscape Conservation,Animal Science and Zoology,Ecology,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics