Mercury residues in tissues of dead and surviving birds fed methylmercury

Finley, M.T.; Stickel, W.H.; Christensen, R.E.

Abstract:

Concentrations of mercury in passerine birds fed diets containing 40 ppm methylmercury were similar in tissues of birds that died from mercury poisoning and in those that were sacrificed after half the group had died. Residues were higher in tissues of birds that died, but the differences were not statistically significant. Residue levels were highest in livers, followed by kidneys and brains. Levels of mercury were similar in breast muscle, carcass, and whole body. Mercury levels were highest in redwinged blackbirds, lowest in grackles, and intermediate in starlings and cowbirds. Mercury concentrations exceeded 20 ppm in all tissues of all species and were similar to levels reported in wild birds known to have died of mercury poisoning.

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Article

ProdID:

5221477

Citation Author:

Finley, M.T.; Stickel, W.H.; Christensen, R.E.

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Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

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110

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1/2

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English

Citation Larger Work Title:

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology

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Citation Phsyical Description:

105-110

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Citation Search Results Text:

Mercury residues in tissues of dead and surviving birds fed methylmercury; 1979; Article; Journal; Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; Finley, M.T.; Stickel, W.H.; Christensen, R.E.