Wetland water-management may influence mercury bioaccumulation in songbirds and ducks at a mercury hotspot
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Abstract
Mercury is a persistent, biomagnifying contaminant that can cause negative behavioral, immunological, and reproductive effects in wildlife and human populations. We examined the role of wetland water-management on mercury bioaccumulation in songbirds and ducks at Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge Complex, near Grand Forks, North Dakota USA. We assessed mercury concentrations in blood of wetland-foraging songbirds (80 common yellowthroats [Geothlypis trichas] and 14 Nelson’s sparrows [Ammospiza nelsoni]) and eggs of upland-nesting ducks (28 gadwall [Mareca strepera], 19 blue-winged teal [Spatula discors], and 13 northern shoveler [S. clypeta]) across four wetland water-management classifications. Nelson’s sparrow blood mercury concentrations were elevated (mean: 1.00 µg/g ww; 95% CL: 0.76–1.31) and similar to those reported 6 years previously. Mercury in songbird blood and duck eggs varied among wetland water-management classifications. Songbirds and ducks had 67% and 49% lower mercury concentrations, respectively, when occupying wetlands that were drawn down with water flow compared to individuals occupying isolated-depressional wetlands with no outflow. Additionally, songbirds within impounded and partially drawn-down wetland units with water flow had mercury concentrations that were 26–28% lower, respectively, than individuals within isolated-depressional wetlands with no outflow. Our results confirm that mercury concentrations in songbirds at Kellys Slough continue to be elevated and suggest that water-management could be an important tool for wetland managers to reduce bioaccumulation of mercury in birds.
Study Area
Publication type | Article |
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Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Title | Wetland water-management may influence mercury bioaccumulation in songbirds and ducks at a mercury hotspot |
Series title | Ecotoxicology |
DOI | 10.1007/s10646-019-02143-w |
Volume | 29 |
Year Published | 2020 |
Language | English |
Publisher | Springer |
Contributing office(s) | Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center |
Description | 11 p. |
First page | 1229 |
Last page | 1239 |
Country | United States |
State | North Dakota |
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