Mercury, cadmium, lead, and selenium in three waterbird species nesting in Galveston Bay, Texas, USA
Colonial Waterbirds
By: Kirk A. King and E. Cromartie
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Abstract
Heavy metal and selenium concentrations were determined in Olivaceous Cormorants (Phalacrocorax olivaceus ), Laughing gulls (Larus atricilla ), and Black Skimmers (Rynchops niger ) nesting in Galveston Bay, Texas, during 1980-81. Lead was detected at low levels in a small proportion of the liver samples. Mercury was present in all livers sampled, the highest levels being found in cormorants (7.8 ppm) and skimmers (16 ppm). Concentrations were considerably lower than those reported in birds from mercury-contaminated lakes in northern United States and Canada. Cadmium and selenium were detected in 93 and 95% of the kidneys. Cadmium was highest in gulls and skimmers with a maximum value of 16 ppm. Selenium levels were similar among species except for higher concentrations in gulls collected in 1981.
Suggested Citation
King, K.A., Cromartie, E., 1986, Mercury, cadmium, lead, and selenium in three waterbird species nesting in Galveston Bay, Texas, USA: Colonial Waterbirds, v. 9, no. 1, p. 90-94, https://doi.org/10.2307/1521147.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Mercury, cadmium, lead, and selenium in three waterbird species nesting in Galveston Bay, Texas, USA |
| Series title | Colonial Waterbirds |
| DOI | 10.2307/1521147 |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 1986 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Waterbird Society |
| Contributing office(s) | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 5 p. |
| First page | 90 |
| Last page | 94 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| Other Geospatial | Galveston Bay |