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Pisconte JN, Vega CM, Sayers CJ, Sevillano-Ríos CS, Pillaca M, Quispe E, Tejeda V, Ascorra C, Silman MR, Fernandez LE. Elevated mercury exposure in bird communities inhabiting Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining landscapes of the southeastern Peruvian Amazon. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:472-483. [PMID: 38363482 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02740-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) represents a significant source of anthropogenic mercury emissions to the environment, with potentially severe implications for avian biodiversity. In the Madre de Dios department of the southern Peruvian Amazon, ASGM activities have created landscapes marred by deforestation and post-mining water bodies (mining ponds) with notable methylation potential. While data on Hg contamination in terrestrial wildlife remains limited, this study measures Hg exposure in several terrestrial bird species as bioindicators. Total Hg (THg) levels in feathers from birds near water bodies, including mining ponds associated with ASGM areas and oxbow lakes, were analyzed. Our results showed significantly higher Hg concentrations in birds from ASGM sites with mean ± SD of 3.14 ± 7.97 µg/g (range: 0.27 to 72.75 µg/g, n = 312) compared to control sites with a mean of 0.47 ± 0.42 µg/g (range: 0.04 to 1.89 µg/g, n = 52). Factors such as trophic guilds, ASGM presence, and water body area significantly influenced feather Hg concentrations. Notably, piscivorous birds exhibited the highest Hg concentration (31.03 ± 25.25 µg/g, n = 12) exceeding known concentrations that affect reproductive success, where one measurement of Chloroceryle americana (Green kingfisher; 72.7 µg/g) is among the highest ever reported in South America. This research quantifies Hg exposure in avian communities in Amazonian regions affected by ASGM, highlighting potential risks to regional bird populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Pisconte
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17000, Perú.
| | - Claudia M Vega
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17000, Perú
- Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability, and Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-, Salem, NC, 27106, USA
| | - Christopher J Sayers
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | | | - Martin Pillaca
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17000, Perú
| | - Edwin Quispe
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17000, Perú
| | - Vania Tejeda
- World Wildlife Fund-Peru, Trinidad Moran 853, Lima 14, Lima, Peru
| | - Cesar Ascorra
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17000, Perú
| | - Miles R Silman
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17000, Perú
- Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability, and Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-, Salem, NC, 27106, USA
| | - Luis E Fernandez
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17000, Perú
- Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability, and Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-, Salem, NC, 27106, USA
- Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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2
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Evers DC, Ackerman JT, Åkerblom S, Bally D, Basu N, Bishop K, Bodin N, Braaten HFV, Burton MEH, Bustamante P, Chen C, Chételat J, Christian L, Dietz R, Drevnick P, Eagles-Smith C, Fernandez LE, Hammerschlag N, Harmelin-Vivien M, Harte A, Krümmel EM, Brito JL, Medina G, Barrios Rodriguez CA, Stenhouse I, Sunderland E, Takeuchi A, Tear T, Vega C, Wilson S, Wu P. Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:325-396. [PMID: 38683471 PMCID: PMC11213816 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
An important provision of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures and its implementation. Here, we describe for the first time currently available biotic mercury (Hg) data on a global scale to improve the understanding of global efforts to reduce the impact of Hg pollution on people and the environment. Data from the peer-reviewed literature were compiled in the Global Biotic Mercury Synthesis (GBMS) database (>550,000 data points). These data provide a foundation for establishing a biomonitoring framework needed to track Hg concentrations in biota globally. We describe Hg exposure in the taxa identified by the Minamata Convention: fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals. Based on the GBMS database, Hg concentrations are presented at relevant geographic scales for continents and oceanic basins. We identify some effective regional templates for monitoring methylmercury (MeHg) availability in the environment, but overall illustrate that there is a general lack of regional biomonitoring initiatives around the world, especially in Africa, Australia, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Temporal trend data for Hg in biota are generally limited. Ecologically sensitive sites (where biota have above average MeHg tissue concentrations) have been identified throughout the world. Efforts to model and quantify ecosystem sensitivity locally, regionally, and globally could help establish effective and efficient biomonitoring programs. We present a framework for a global Hg biomonitoring network that includes a three-step continental and oceanic approach to integrate existing biomonitoring efforts and prioritize filling regional data gaps linked with key Hg sources. We describe a standardized approach that builds on an evidence-based evaluation to assess the Minamata Convention's progress to reduce the impact of global Hg pollution on people and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA
| | | | - Dominique Bally
- African Center for Environmental Health, BP 826 Cidex 03, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Nil Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Upsalla, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Bodin
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development Seychelles Fishing Authority, Victoria, Seychelles
| | | | - Mark E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Celia Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Cliamte Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Linroy Christian
- Department of Analytical Services, Dunbars, Friars Hill, St John, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Paul Drevnick
- Teck American Incorporated, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Collin Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Luis E Fernandez
- Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability and Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 29106, USA
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazonica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, Peru
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Shark Research Foundation Inc, 29 Wideview Lane, Boutiliers Point, NS, B3Z 0M9, Canada
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS/INSU/IRD, Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie (MIO), UM 110, Campus de Luminy, case 901, 13288, Marseille, cedex 09, France
| | - Agustin Harte
- Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Chem. des Anémones 15, 1219, Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eva M Krümmel
- Inuit Circumpolar Council-Canada, Ottawa, Canada and ScienTissiME Inc, Barry's Bay, ON, Canada
| | - José Lailson Brito
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Sao Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Medina
- Director of Basel Convention Coordinating Centre, Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean, Hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Iain Stenhouse
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Elsie Sunderland
- Harvard University, Pierce Hall 127, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Akinori Takeuchi
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Health and Environmental Risk Division, 16-2 Onogawa Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Tim Tear
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Claudia Vega
- Centro de Innovaccion Cientifica Amazonica (CINCIA), Jiron Ucayali 750, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17001, Peru
| | - Simon Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pianpian Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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3
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Sayers CJ, Evers DC, Ruiz-Gutierrez V, Adams E, Vega CM, Pisconte JN, Tejeda V, Regan K, Lane OP, Ash AA, Cal R, Reneau S, Martínez W, Welch G, Hartwell K, Teul M, Tzul D, Arendt WJ, Tórrez MA, Watsa M, Erkenswick G, Moore CE, Gerson J, Sánchez V, Purizaca RP, Yurek H, Burton MEH, Shrum PL, Tabares-Segovia S, Vargas K, Fogarty FF, Charette MR, Martínez AE, Bernhardt ES, Taylor RJ, Tear TH, Fernandez LE. Mercury in Neotropical birds: a synthesis and prospectus on 13 years of exposure data. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:1096-1123. [PMID: 37907784 PMCID: PMC10622370 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02706-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Environmental mercury (Hg) contamination of the global tropics outpaces our understanding of its consequences for biodiversity. Knowledge gaps of pollution exposure could obscure conservation threats in the Neotropics: a region that supports over half of the world's species, but faces ongoing land-use change and Hg emission via artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Due to their global distribution and sensitivity to pollution, birds provide a valuable opportunity as bioindicators to assess how accelerating Hg emissions impact an ecosystem's ability to support biodiversity, and ultimately, global health. We present the largest database on Neotropical bird Hg concentrations (n = 2316) and establish exposure baselines for 322 bird species spanning nine countries across Central America, South America, and the West Indies. Patterns of avian Hg exposure in the Neotropics broadly align with those in temperate regions: consistent bioaccumulation across functional groups and high spatiotemporal variation. Bird species occupying higher trophic positions and aquatic habitats exhibited elevated Hg concentrations that have been previously associated with reductions in reproductive success. Notably, bird Hg concentrations were over four times higher at sites impacted by ASGM activities and differed by season for certain trophic niches. We developed this synthesis via a collaborative research network, the Tropical Research for Avian Conservation and Ecotoxicology (TRACE) Initiative, which exemplifies inclusive, equitable, and international data-sharing. While our findings signal an urgent need to assess sampling biases, mechanisms, and consequences of Hg exposure to tropical avian communities, the TRACE Initiative provides a meaningful framework to achieve such goals. Ultimately, our collective efforts support and inform local, scientific, and government entities, including Parties of the United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury, as we continue working together to understand how Hg pollution impacts biodiversity conservation, ecosystem function, and public health in the tropics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Sayers
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Center for Mercury Studies, Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17000, Peru.
| | - David C Evers
- Center for Mercury Studies, Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | | | - Evan Adams
- Center for Mercury Studies, Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Claudia M Vega
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17000, Peru
- Department of Biology, Center for Energy, Environment and Sustainability, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27106, USA
| | - Jessica N Pisconte
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17000, Peru
| | - Vania Tejeda
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17000, Peru
| | - Kevin Regan
- Center for Mercury Studies, Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Oksana P Lane
- Center for Mercury Studies, Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Abidas A Ash
- Environmental Research Institute, University of Belize, Price Center Road, P.O. Box 340, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize
| | - Reynold Cal
- Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Tropical Education Center, 28 George Price Highway, P.O. Box 368, La Democracia, Belize District, Belize
| | - Stevan Reneau
- Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Tropical Education Center, 28 George Price Highway, P.O. Box 368, La Democracia, Belize District, Belize
| | - Wilber Martínez
- Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Tropical Education Center, 28 George Price Highway, P.O. Box 368, La Democracia, Belize District, Belize
| | - Gilroy Welch
- Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Tropical Education Center, 28 George Price Highway, P.O. Box 368, La Democracia, Belize District, Belize
| | - Kayla Hartwell
- Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Tropical Education Center, 28 George Price Highway, P.O. Box 368, La Democracia, Belize District, Belize
| | - Mario Teul
- Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Tropical Education Center, 28 George Price Highway, P.O. Box 368, La Democracia, Belize District, Belize
| | - David Tzul
- Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Tropical Education Center, 28 George Price Highway, P.O. Box 368, La Democracia, Belize District, Belize
| | - Wayne J Arendt
- International Institute of Tropical Forestry, USDA Forest Service, 1201 Calle Ceiba, Jardín Botánico Sur, San Juan, 00926-1119, Puerto Rico
| | - Marvin A Tórrez
- Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Centroamericana, Managua, Nicaragua
| | - Mrinalini Watsa
- Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA, 92112, USA
- Field Projects International, Escondido, CA, 92029, USA
| | | | - Caroline E Moore
- Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA, 92112, USA
| | - Jacqueline Gerson
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Victor Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigación en Ecología y Conservación, Trujillo, Peru
| | - Raúl Pérez Purizaca
- Universidad Nacional de Piura, Urb. Miraflores S/N, Castilla, 20002, Piura, Peru
| | - Helen Yurek
- Center for Mercury Studies, Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Mark E H Burton
- Center for Mercury Studies, Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Peggy L Shrum
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Biology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | | | - Korik Vargas
- Center for Mercury Studies, Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Finola F Fogarty
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society, 27.5 Miles Hummingbird Hwy, Stann Creek, Belize
| | - Mathieu R Charette
- Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society, 27.5 Miles Hummingbird Hwy, Stann Creek, Belize
| | - Ari E Martínez
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | | | - Robert J Taylor
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Timothy H Tear
- Center for Mercury Studies, Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Luis E Fernandez
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17000, Peru
- Department of Biology, Center for Energy, Environment and Sustainability, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27106, USA
- Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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4
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Adams EM, Gulka JE, Yang Y, Burton MEH, Burns DA, Buxton V, Cleckner L, DeSorbo CR, Driscoll CT, Evers DC, Fisher N, Lane O, Mao H, Riva-Murray K, Millard G, Razavi NR, Richter W, Sauer AK, Schoch N. Distribution and trends of mercury in aquatic and terrestrial biota of New York, USA: a synthesis of 50 years of research and monitoring. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:959-976. [PMID: 37861861 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02704-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) inputs have particularly impacted the northeastern United States due to its proximity to anthropogenic emissions sources and abundant habitats that efficiently convert inorganic Hg into methylmercury. Intensive research and monitoring efforts over the past 50 years in New York State, USA, have informed the assessment of the extent and impacts of Hg exposure on fishes and wildlife. By synthesizing Hg data statewide, this study quantified temporal trends of Hg exposure, spatiotemporal patterns of risk, the role that habitat and Hg deposition play in producing spatial patterns of Hg exposure in fish and other wildlife, and the effectiveness of current monitoring approaches in describing Hg trends. Most temporal trends were stable, but we found significant declines in Hg exposure over time in some long-sampled fish. The Adirondack Mountains and Long Island showed the greatest number of aquatic and terrestrial species with elevated Hg concentrations, reflecting an unequal distribution of exposure risk to fauna across the state. Persistent hotspots were detected for aquatic species in central New York and the Adirondack Mountains. Elevated Hg concentrations were associated with open water, forests, and rural, developed habitats for aquatic species, and open water and forested habitats for terrestrial species. Areas of consistently elevated Hg were found in areas driven by atmospheric and local Hg inputs, and habitat played a significant role in translating those inputs into biotic exposure. Continued long-term monitoring will be important in evaluating how these patterns continue to change in the face of changing land cover, climate, and Hg emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Adams
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Julia E Gulka
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Western Carolina University, 1 University Way, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, USA
| | - Mark E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Douglas A Burns
- USGS New York Water Science Center, 425 Jordan Road, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Valerie Buxton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2125 Derring Hall, 926 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY, 12977, USA
| | - Lisa Cleckner
- Finger Lakes Institute, 601 South Maine Street, Geneva, NY, 14456, USA
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 300 Pulteney St., Geneva, NY, 14456, USA
| | | | - Charles T Driscoll
- Syracuse University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Nicholas Fisher
- Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Oksana Lane
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Huiting Mao
- SUNY-ESF Chemistry Department, 1 Forestry Derive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Karen Riva-Murray
- USGS New York Water Science Center, 425 Jordan Road, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Geoffrey Millard
- Syracuse University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
- U.S.A. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, 26 W Martin Luther King Dr, Cincinnati, OH, 45220, USA
| | - N Roxanna Razavi
- SUNY-ESF Department of Environmental Biology, 1 Forestry Derive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Wayne Richter
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Fish and Wildlife, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY, 12233-4756, USA
| | - Amy K Sauer
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Nina Schoch
- Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY, 12977, USA
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5
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Wang Z, Liao J, Guo X, Li X, Kwon SY. Total mercury in different egg tissues provides insights to mercury metabolisms in bird bodies. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 249:114336. [PMID: 36508796 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) pollution in birds has been widely reported, but the metabolism of Hg in bird bodies remains unclear. Measurement of Hg concentrations in bird tissues (muscles and organs) could provide insights into the metabolism of Hg in bird bodies, however, this approach is often invasive. To avoid invasive procedures, we conducted feeding experiments using chickens and used eggs as a proxy for understanding Hg metabolism in chicken bodies. For the control group, various THg concentrations were observed in egg whites, egg yolks, and eggshells, but the THg concentration trends for different egg tissues were not statistically different (P > 0.05). For the Hg feeding group (0.3 mg/kg body weight, feeding once), Hg peaks were observed in egg yolks and egg whites at different time periods, suggesting different response time to dietary Hg in chicken body tissues. Mercury in egg yolks peaked at Day 6, suggesting their quick response to dietary Hg. Egg whites reached Hg peak at Day 20, exhibiting a slower response to dietary Hg. Eggshells did not show a Hg peak, perhaps due to their predominant inorganic components that do not trigger Hg bioaccumulation. We measured THgyolk/THgwhite ratios in various chicken eggs purchased from three areas in Guizhou, SW China. The THgyolk/THgwhite ratios for Huaxi, Hezhang and Wuchuan were 1.33 (0.57-2.41), 7.89 (4.27-19.47) and 2.64 (1.68-4.22), respectively, to suggest different exposure history for chickens. This study provides new insights into the metabolism and lifetime of Hg in bird bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuhong Wang
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Jing Liao
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xiaoling Guo
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xue Li
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam Gu, Pohang 37673, South Korea
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6
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Bajracharya SS, Zahor DL, Glynn KJ, Gratz LE, Cornelius JM. Feather mercury concentrations in omnivorous and granivorous terrestrial songbirds in Southeast Michigan. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 31:797-807. [PMID: 35445955 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-022-02545-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sublethal exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) can have consequences for the reproductive, neurological, and physiological health of birds. Songbirds, regardless of trophic position, are often exposed to mercury (Hg) and may be at risk for health effects - especially if they inhabit a place that is subject to high Hg atmospheric deposition and/or have local conditions that are prone to methylation. This study investigates Hg concentrations in terrestrial songbirds of Southeast Michigan, where historical and present-day anthropogenic emissions of heavy metals are elevated. We collected tail feather samples from 223 songbirds across four different species during summer and fall of 2018 and 2019. The mean (±SE) Hg concentration across all samples was 103 ± 3.43 ng/g of dry feather weight. Mercury concentration varied significantly among species, and by age and site in some species, but not by sex. Mean concentrations were nearly seven times higher in two omnivore species, American robin (Turdus migratorius) and European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), than in the two granivore species, American goldfinch (Spinus tristus) and house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Juveniles had higher feather Hg concentrations than adults in all species except American goldfinches - which feed their young primarily seeds, further supporting a role of diet in exposure. We also found a negative correlation between Hg concentration and body condition in American robins, but further research is needed to verify this relationship. While our sample concentrations do not exceed the threshold for sublethal effects, our findings provide insight into the patterns of Hg concentrations in terrestrial songbirds, which may help in understanding Hg exposure pathways, bioaccumulation and risks in terrestrial species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorothy L Zahor
- Eastern Michigan University Biology Department, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, USA
| | - Kenneth J Glynn
- Eastern Michigan University Biology Department, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, USA
| | - Lynne E Gratz
- Colorado College Environmental Studies Program, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907, USA
| | - Jamie M Cornelius
- Eastern Michigan University Biology Department, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, USA.
- Oregon State University Department of Integrative Biology, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
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7
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Larison B, Lindsay AR, Bossu C, Sorenson MD, Kaplan JD, Evers DC, Paruk J, DaCosta JM, Smith TB, Ruegg K. Leveraging genomics to understand threats to migratory birds. Evol Appl 2021; 14:1646-1658. [PMID: 34178110 PMCID: PMC8210798 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how risk factors affect populations across their annual cycle is a major challenge for conserving migratory birds. For example, disease outbreaks may happen on the breeding grounds, the wintering grounds, or during migration and are expected to accelerate under climate change. The ability to identify the geographic origins of impacted individuals, especially outside of breeding areas, might make it possible to predict demographic trends and inform conservation decision-making. However, such an effort is made more challenging by the degraded state of carcasses and resulting low quality of DNA available. Here, we describe a rapid and low-cost approach for identifying the origins of birds sampled across their annual cycle that is robust even when DNA quality is poor. We illustrate the approach in the common loon (Gavia immer), an iconic migratory aquatic bird that is under increasing threat on both its breeding and wintering areas. Using 300 samples collected from across the breeding range, we develop a panel of 158 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) loci with divergent allele frequencies across six genetic subpopulations. We use this SNP panel to identify the breeding grounds for 142 live nonbreeding individuals and carcasses. For example, genetic assignment of loons sampled during botulism outbreaks in parts of the Great Lakes provides evidence for the significant role the lakes play as migratory stopover areas for loons that breed across wide swaths of Canada, and highlights the vulnerability of a large segment of the breeding population to botulism outbreaks that are occurring in the Great Lakes with increasing frequency. Our results illustrate that the use of SNP panels to identify breeding origins of carcasses collected during the nonbreeding season can improve our understanding of the population-specific impacts of mortality from disease and anthropogenic stressors, ultimately allowing more effective management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Larison
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Center for Tropical ResearchInstitute of the Environment and SustainabilityUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Alec R. Lindsay
- Department of BiologyNorthern Michigan UniversityMarquetteMichiganUSA
| | - Christen Bossu
- Department of BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | | | | | | | - James Paruk
- Biology DepartmentSaint Joseph’s CollegeStandishMaineUSA
| | | | - Thomas B. Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Center for Tropical ResearchInstitute of the Environment and SustainabilityUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kristen Ruegg
- Center for Tropical ResearchInstitute of the Environment and SustainabilityUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
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8
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Canham R, González‐Prieto AM, Elliott JE. Mercury Exposure and Toxicological Consequences in Fish and Fish-Eating Wildlife from Anthropogenic Activity in Latin America. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2021; 17:13-26. [PMID: 32662936 PMCID: PMC7821190 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the risk of significant adverse toxicological effects of Hg to humans and wildlife, Hg use in anthropogenic activities, and artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in particular, is widespread throughout Latin America. However, there are few research and monitoring studies of Hg toxicity in fish and fish-eating wildlife in Latin America compared to North America. In the present paper, we reviewed the literature from published articles and reports and summarized and assessed data on Hg in fish from 10 391 individuals and 192 species sampled across Latin America. We compared fish Hg levels with toxicity reference values (TRVs) for fish and dietary TRVs for fish-eating wildlife. We determined that fish, piscivorous birds, and other wildlife are at risk of Hg toxicity. We observed a large disparity in data quantity between North and Latin America, and identified regions requiring further investigation. In particular, future biomonitoring and research should focus on exposure of wildlife to Hg in Peru, Chile, Uruguay, the eastern and northern regions of Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia. We also discuss Hg risk assessment methodological issues and recommend that future evaluations of Hg risk to wildlife must collect key physiological variables, including age, body size, and ideally Hg-to-Se molar ratios. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:13-26. © 2020 Environment and Climate Change Canada. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Canham
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology BranchPacific Wildlife Research Centre, DeltaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Ana M González‐Prieto
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology BranchPacific Wildlife Research Centre, DeltaBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Biological SciencesSimon Fraser UniversityBurnabyBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - John E Elliott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology BranchPacific Wildlife Research Centre, DeltaBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Biological SciencesSimon Fraser UniversityBurnabyBritish ColumbiaCanada
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9
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Yang Y, Yanai RD, Schoch N, Buxton VL, Gonzales KE, Evers DC, Lampman GG. Determining optimal sampling strategies for monitoring mercury and reproductive success in common loons in the Adirondacks of New York. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1786-1793. [PMID: 31691908 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The common loon (Gavia immer), a top predator in the freshwater food web, has been recognized as an important bioindicator of aquatic mercury (Hg) pollution. Because capturing loons can be difficult, statistical approaches are needed to evaluate the efficiency of Hg monitoring. Using data from 1998 to 2016 collected in New York's Adirondack Park, we calculated the power to detect temporal changes in loon Hg concentrations and fledging success as a function of sampling intensity. There is a tradeoff between the number of lakes per year and the number of years needed to detect a particular rate of change. For example, a 5% year-1 change in Hg concentration could be detected with a sampling effort of either 15 lakes per year for 10 years, or 5 lakes per year for 15 years, given two loons sampled per lake per year. A 2% year-1 change in fledging success could be detected with a sampling effort of either 40 lakes per year for 15 years, or 30 lakes per year for 20 years. We found that more acidic lakes required greater sampling intensity than less acidic lakes for monitoring Hg concentrations but not for fledging success. Power analysis provides a means to optimize the sampling designs for monitoring loon Hg concentrations and reproductive success. This approach is applicable to other monitoring schemes where cost is an issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
| | - Ruth D Yanai
- Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Nina Schoch
- Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY, 12977, USA
- Formerly of Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Valerie L Buxton
- Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY, 12977, USA
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Kara E Gonzales
- California Department of Transportation, 111 Grand Ave, Caltrans, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Gregory G Lampman
- New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, 17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY, 12203, USA
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10
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Schoch N, Yang Y, Yanai RD, Buxton VL, Evers DC, Driscoll CT. Spatial patterns and temporal trends in mercury concentrations in common loons (Gavia immer) from 1998 to 2016 in New York's Adirondack Park: has this top predator benefitted from mercury emission controls? ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1774-1785. [PMID: 31691909 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02119-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), a neurotoxic pollutant, can be transported long distances through the atmosphere and deposited in remote areas, threatening aquatic wildlife through methylation and bioaccumulation. Over the last two decades, air quality management has resulted in decreases in Hg emissions from waste incinerators and coal-fired power plants across North America. The common loon (Gavia immer) is an apex predator of the aquatic food web. Long-term monitoring of Hg in loons can help track biological recovery in response to the declines in atmospheric Hg that have been documented in the northeastern USA. To assess spatial patterns and temporal trends in Hg exposure of the common loon in the Adirondack Park of New York State, we analyzed Hg concentrations in loon blood and egg samples from 116 lakes between 1998 and 2016. We found spatially variable Hg concentrations in adult loon blood and feathers across the Park. Loon Hg concentrations (converted to female loon units) increased 5.7% yr-1 from 1998 to 2010 (p = 0.04), and then stabilized at 1.70 mg kg-1 from 2010 to 2016 (p = 0.91), based on 760 observations. Concentrations of Hg in juvenile loons also increased in the early part of the record, stabilizing 2 years before Hg concentrations stabilized in adults. For 52 individual lakes with samples from at least 4 different years, loon Hg increased in 34 lakes and decreased in 18 lakes. Overall, we found a delayed recovery of Hg concentrations in loons, despite recent declines in atmospheric Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schoch
- Formerly of Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME, 04103, USA
- Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY, 12977, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
| | - Ruth D Yanai
- Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Valerie L Buxton
- Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY, 12977, USA
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Charles T Driscoll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
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11
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Winder VL, Anteau MJ, Fisher MR, Wilcox MK, Igl LD, Ackerman JT. Wetland water-management may influence mercury bioaccumulation in songbirds and ducks at a mercury hotspot. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1229-1239. [PMID: 31902053 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02143-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia L Winder
- Department of Biology, Benedictine College, Atchison, KS, 66002, USA.
| | - Michael J Anteau
- Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 8711 37th St SE, Jamestown, ND, 58401, USA
| | - Mark R Fisher
- Devils Lake Wetland Management District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Devils Lake, ND, 58301, USA
| | - Mary Kate Wilcox
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66502, USA
| | - Lawrence D Igl
- Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 8711 37th St SE, Jamestown, ND, 58401, USA
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, U.S. Geological Survey, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA
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12
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Eagles-Smith CA, Willacker JJ, Nelson SJ, Flanagan Pritz CM, Krabbenhoft DP, Chen CY, Ackerman JT, Grant EHC, Pilliod DS. A National-Scale Assessment of Mercury Bioaccumulation in United States National Parks Using Dragonfly Larvae As Biosentinels through a Citizen-Science Framework. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:8779-8790. [PMID: 32633494 PMCID: PMC7790342 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a national-scale assessment of mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems, using dragonfly larvae as biosentinels, by developing a citizen-science network to facilitate biological sampling. Implementing a carefully designed sampling methodology for citizen scientists, we developed an effective framework for a landscape-level inquiry that might otherwise be resource limited. We assessed the variation in dragonfly Hg concentrations across >450 sites spanning 100 United States National Park Service units and examined intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with the variation in Hg concentrations. Mercury concentrations ranged between 10.4 and 1411 ng/g dry weight across sites and varied among habitat types. Dragonfly total Hg (THg) concentrations were up to 1.8-fold higher in lotic habitats than in lentic habitats and 37% higher in waterbodies with abundant wetlands along their margins than those without wetlands. Mercury concentrations in dragonflies differed among families but were correlated (r2 > 0.80) with each other, enabling adjustment to a consistent family to facilitate spatial comparisons among sampling units. Dragonfly THg concentrations were positively correlated with THg concentrations in both fish and amphibians from the same locations, indicating that dragonfly larvae are effective indicators of Hg bioavailability in aquatic food webs. We used these relationships to develop an integrated impairment index of Hg risk to aquatic ecosytems and found that 12% of site-years exceeded high or severe benchmarks of fish, wildlife, or human health risk. Collectively, this continental-scale study demonstrates the utility of dragonfly larvae for estimating the potential mercury risk to fish and wildlife in aquatic ecosystems and provides a framework for engaging citizen science as a component of landscape Hg monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin A. Eagles-Smith
- United
States Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland
Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, Oregon 97330, United States
| | - James J. Willacker
- United
States Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland
Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, Oregon 97330, United States
| | - Sarah J. Nelson
- School
of Forest Resources, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, United States
- Appalachian
Mountain Club, Gorham, New Hampshire 03581, United States
| | - Colleen M. Flanagan Pritz
- National
Park Service, Air Resources Division,
National Resource, Stewardship and Science Directorate, Lakewood, Colorado 80228, United States
| | - David P. Krabbenhoft
- United
States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water
Science Center, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Celia Y. Chen
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - Joshua T. Ackerman
- United
States Geological Survey, Western Ecological
Research Center, Dixon, California 95620, United States
| | - Evan H. Campbell Grant
- United
States Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife
Research Center, Turners Falls, Massachussetts 01376, United States
| | - David S. Pilliod
- United
States Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland
Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, Idaho 83706, United States
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13
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Roxanna Razavi N, Cushman SF, Halfman JD, Massey T, Beutner R, Cleckner LB. Mercury bioaccumulation in stream food webs of the Finger Lakes in central New York State, USA. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 172:265-272. [PMID: 30711861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.01.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Studies of mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in streams draining both forested and agricultural watersheds are not common. Sixteen streams were sampled in the Finger Lakes region in central New York State with a mean agricultural land cover of 48%. Stream fish (Blacknose Dace, Rhinichthys atratulus, an invertivore; and Creek Chub, Semotilus atromaculatus, an omnivore) were collected and analyzed for total Hg (THg), and macroinvertebrates and periphyton were collected and analyzed for methylmercury (MeHg) determination. The effect of water chemistry, land cover, and macroinvertebrate MeHg was assessed as predictors of fish Hg concentrations. Blacknose Dace had significantly higher THg concentrations compared to Creek Chub (229 ng/g vs. 195 ng/g dry weight, respectively), and predatory and omnivorous macroinvertebrates (i.e., Perlidae and Cambaridae) were found to have significantly higher MeHg concentrations compared to other functional feeding groups. Mixed effects models identified macroinvertebrate MeHg concentrations as predictors of stream fish THg concentrations. Partition modeling found fish total length and total suspended solids predicted Blacknose Dace with 'High' vs 'Low' Hg (≥ or < 90 ng/g wet weight, respectively). Overall, stream fish THg concentrations observed were not of concern, unlike other regions in New York State such as the Adirondack Mountains, but a significant proportion of Blacknose Dace (22 - 73%) and Creek Chub (5 - 69%) would be considered a risk to a range of sensitive consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Roxanna Razavi
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14556, USA.
| | - Susan F Cushman
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14556, USA; Department of Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14556, USA; Environmental Studies Program, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14556, USA
| | - John D Halfman
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14556, USA; Environmental Studies Program, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14556, USA; Department of Geoscience, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14556, USA
| | - Trevor Massey
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14556, USA
| | - Robert Beutner
- IT Services, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14556, USA
| | - Lisa B Cleckner
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14556, USA; Environmental Studies Program, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14556, USA
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14
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Kenow KP, Houdek SC, Fara LJ, Erickson RA, Gray BR, Harrison TJ, Monson BA, Henderson CL. Patterns of mercury and selenium exposure in minnesota common loons. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2019; 38:524-532. [PMID: 30548335 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Common loons (Gavia immer) are at risk of elevated dietary mercury (Hg) exposure in portions of their breeding range. To assess the level of risk among loons in Minnesota (USA), we investigated loon blood Hg concentrations in breeding lakes across Minnesota. Loon blood Hg concentrations were regressed on predicted Hg concentrations in standardized 12-cm whole-organism yellow perch (Perca flavescens), based on fish Hg records from Minnesota lakes, using the US Geological Survey National Descriptive Model for Mercury in Fish. A linear model, incorporating common loon sex, age, body mass, and log-transformed standardized perch Hg concentration representative of each study lake, was associated with 83% of the variability in observed common loon blood Hg concentrations. Loon blood Hg concentration was positively related to standardized perch Hg concentrations; juvenile loons had lower blood Hg concentrations than adult females, and blood Hg concentrations of juveniles increased with body mass. Blood Hg concentrations of all adult common loons and associated standardized prey Hg for all loon capture lakes included in the study were well below proposed thresholds for adverse effects on loon behavior, physiology, survival, and reproductive success. The fish Hg modeling approach provided insights into spatial patterns of dietary Hg exposure risk to common loons across Minnesota. We also determined that loon blood selenium (Se) concentrations were positively correlated with Hg concentration. Average common loon blood Se concentrations exceeded the published provisional threshold. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:524-532. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P Kenow
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Steven C Houdek
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Luke J Fara
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Richard A Erickson
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Brian R Gray
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Travis J Harrison
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Bruce A Monson
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
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15
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Gerstle CT, Drenner RW, Chumchal MM. Spatial patterns of mercury contamination and associated risk to piscivorous wading birds of the south central United States. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2019; 38:160-166. [PMID: 30367697 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Piscivorous birds are top predators in aquatic ecosystems and are vulnerable to mercury (Hg) exposure and associated adverse health effects. In some areas of North America, the health risk posed to piscivorous birds by Hg contamination has not been characterized because concentrations of Hg in bird tissues have not been extensively monitored. When data on Hg in tissues of piscivorous birds are not available, the concentration of Hg in the blood of piscivorous birds can be estimated from the concentration of Hg in prey fish. We used concentrations of Hg in different lengths of a proxy prey fish, bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), to estimate the concentration of Hg in the blood of 4 species of adult piscivorous wading birds (little blue herons [Egretta caerulea], green herons [Butorides virescens], great egrets [Ardea albus], and great blue herons [Ardea herodias]) in 14 ecoregions of the south central United States. The 4 species of birds consume different sizes of fish with different concentrations of Hg and were predicted to have different concentrations of Hg in their blood, with little blue herons < green herons < great egrets < great blue herons. For each species of bird, there were significant differences in average estimated concentrations of Hg in blood between ecoregions, with estimated concentrations of Hg in blood increasing with Hg deposition. The level of predicted risk varied with ecoregion and bird species and was highest for great blue herons. We recommend that future studies of Hg contamination of piscivorous wading birds of the southern United States focus on great blue herons in water bodies within ecoregions that have high Hg deposition. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:160-166. © 2018 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ray W Drenner
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew M Chumchal
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
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16
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Perkins M, Basu N. Dried blood spots for estimating mercury exposure in birds. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 236:236-246. [PMID: 29414345 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a pervasive environmental contaminant that can impair avian health, consequently there is a need to gauge exposures. Bird blood provides a measure of recent dietary exposure to Hg, but blood collection and storage can be complex and costly. Dried blood spots (DBS) may help overcome challenges of whole blood analyses, therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a novel method to assess Hg exposure in birds using DBS. First, accuracy and precision of blood Hg concentrations for entire DBS and DBS punches were determined for white leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) dosed with methylmercury (MeHg) via egg injection. Next, we investigated Hg stability in chicken DBS subjected to time, temperature, and humidity treatments. Lastly, we applied the method to DBS created using standard field methods from zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttatato) in the laboratory and American golden-plover (Pluvalis dominica) sampled in the field. All samples were analyzed for total Hg (THg) using direct Hg analysis. Accuracy was determined by comparing DBS concentrations with those of corresponding whole blood and reported as percent recovery. Accuracy for entire chicken DBS was 101.8 ± 5.4%, while DBS punches revealed lower recovery (87.7 ± 4.0 to 92.4 ± 4.1%). There was little effect of time, temperature, and humidity storage treatments on Hg concentrations of DBS, with mean DBS THg concentrations within ±8% of whole blood (n = 10 treatments). For zebra finch, DBS punches were more accurate (93.7 ± 9.7%) compared to entire DBS (126.8 ± 19.4%). While for American golden-plover, entire DBS resulted in the most accurate THg concentrations (111.5 ± 7.6%) compared to DBS punches (edge: 115.4 ± 18.9%, interior: 131.4 ± 16.1%). Overall, results indicate that DBS analysis using direct Hg analysis can accurately evaluate Hg exposure in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Perkins
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
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17
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Ackerman JT, Hartman CA, Herzog MP. Maternal transfer of mercury to songbird eggs. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 230:463-468. [PMID: 28688298 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.06.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the maternal transfer of mercury to eggs in songbirds, determined whether this relationship differed between songbird species, and developed equations for predicting mercury concentrations in eggs from maternal blood. We sampled blood and feathers from 44 house wren (Troglodytes aedon) and 34 tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) mothers and collected their full clutches (n = 476 eggs) within 3 days of clutch completion. Additionally, we sampled blood and feathers from 53 tree swallow mothers and randomly collected one egg from their clutches (n = 53 eggs) during mid to late incubation (6-10 days incubated) to evaluate whether the relationship varied with the timing of sampling the mother's blood. Mercury concentrations in eggs were positively correlated with mercury concentrations in maternal blood sampled at (1) the time of clutch completion for both house wrens (R2 = 0.97) and tree swallows (R2 = 0.97) and (2) during mid to late incubation for tree swallows (R2 = 0.71). The relationship between mercury concentrations in eggs and maternal blood did not differ with the stage of incubation when maternal blood was sampled. Importantly, the proportion of mercury transferred from mothers to their eggs decreased substantially with increasing blood mercury concentrations in tree swallows, but increased slightly with increasing blood mercury concentrations in house wrens. Additionally, the proportion of mercury transferred to eggs at the same maternal blood mercury concentration differed between species. Specifically, tree swallow mothers transferred 17%-107% more mercury to their eggs than house wren mothers over the observed mercury concentrations in maternal blood (0.15-1.92 μg/g ww). In contrast, mercury concentrations in eggs were not correlated with those in maternal feathers and, likewise, mercury concentrations in maternal blood were not correlated with those in feathers (all R2 < 0.01). We provide equations to translate mercury concentrations from maternal blood to eggs (and vice versa), which should facilitate comparisons among studies and help integrate toxicity benchmarks into a common tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA 95620, United States.
| | - C Alex Hartman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA 95620, United States
| | - Mark P Herzog
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA 95620, United States
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Alpers CN, Yee JL, Ackerman JT, Orlando JL, Slotton DG, Marvin-DiPasquale MC. Prediction of fish and sediment mercury in streams using landscape variables and historical mining. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 571:364-379. [PMID: 27378154 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.05.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Widespread mercury (Hg) contamination of aquatic systems in the Sierra Nevada of California, U.S., is associated with historical use to enhance gold (Au) recovery by amalgamation. In areas affected by historical Au mining operations, including the western slope of the Sierra Nevada and downstream areas in northern California, such as San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento River-San Joaquin River Delta, microbial conversion of Hg to methylmercury (MeHg) leads to bioaccumulation of MeHg in food webs, and increased risks to humans and wildlife. This study focused on developing a predictive model for THg in stream fish tissue based on geospatial data, including land use/land cover data, and the distribution of legacy Au mines. Data on total mercury (THg) and MeHg concentrations in fish tissue and streambed sediment collected during 1980-2012 from stream sites in the Sierra Nevada, California were combined with geospatial data to estimate fish THg concentrations across the landscape. THg concentrations of five fish species (Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Sacramento Pikeminnow, Sacramento Sucker, and Smallmouth Bass) within stream sections were predicted using multi-model inference based on Akaike Information Criteria, using geospatial data for mining history and landscape characteristics as well as fish species and length (r(2)=0.61, p<0.001). Including THg concentrations in streambed sediment did not improve the model's fit, however including MeHg concentrations in streambed sediment, organic content (loss on ignition), and sediment grain size resulted in an improved fit (r(2)=0.63, p<0.001). These models can be used to estimate THg concentrations in stream fish based on landscape variables in the Sierra Nevada in areas where direct measurements of THg concentration in fish are unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles N Alpers
- U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center, 6000 J Street, Placer Hall, Sacramento, CA 95819, U.S.A..
| | - Julie L Yee
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA 95620, U.S.A
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA 95620, U.S.A
| | - James L Orlando
- U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center, 6000 J Street, Placer Hall, Sacramento, CA 95819, U.S.A
| | - Darrel G Slotton
- Dept. of Environmental Science and Policy, Univ. of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A
| | - Mark C Marvin-DiPasquale
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, U.S.A
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Evers DC, Keane SE, Basu N, Buck D. Evaluating the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention on Mercury: Principles and recommendations for next steps. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 569-570:888-903. [PMID: 27425440 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a multilateral environmental agreement that obligates Parties to reduce or control sources of mercury pollution in order to protect human health and the environment. The Convention includes provisions on providing technical assistance and capacity building, particularly for developing countries and countries with economies in transition, to promote its effective implementation. Evaluating the effectiveness of the Convention (as required by Article 22) is a crucial component to ensure that it meets this objective. We describe an approach to measure effectiveness, which includes a suite of short-, medium-, and long-term metrics related to five major mercury control Articles in the Convention, as well as metrics derived from monitoring of mercury in the environment using select bioindicators, including people. The use of existing biotic Hg data will define spatial gradients (e.g., biological mercury hotspots), baselines to develop relevant temporal trends, and an ability to assess risk to taxa and human communities of greatest concern. We also recommend the development of a technical document that describes monitoring options for the Conference of Parties, to provide science-based standardized guidelines for collecting relevant monitoring information, as guided by Article 19.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, Maine, USA.
| | | | | | - David Buck
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, Maine, USA
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Jackson A, Evers DC, Eagles-Smith CA, Ackerman JT, Willacker JJ, Elliott JE, Lepak JM, Vander Pol SS, Bryan CE. Mercury risk to avian piscivores across western United States and Canada. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 568:685-696. [PMID: 26996522 PMCID: PMC5461577 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.02.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The widespread distribution of mercury (Hg) threatens wildlife health, particularly piscivorous birds. Western North America is a diverse region that provides critical habitat to many piscivorous bird species, and also has a well-documented history of mercury contamination from legacy mining and atmospheric deposition. The diversity of landscapes in the west limits the distribution of avian piscivore species, complicating broad comparisons across the region. Mercury risk to avian piscivores was evaluated across the western United States and Canada using a suite of avian piscivore species representing a variety of foraging strategies that together occur broadly across the region. Prey fish Hg concentrations were size-adjusted to the preferred size class of the diet for each avian piscivore (Bald Eagle=36cm, Osprey=30cm, Common and Yellow-billed Loon=15cm, Western and Clark's Grebe=6cm, and Belted Kingfisher=5cm) across each species breeding range. Using a combination of field and lab-based studies on Hg effect in a variety of species, wet weight blood estimates were grouped into five relative risk categories including: background (<0.5μg/g), low (0.5-1μg/g), moderate (1-2μg/g), high (2-3μg/g), and extra high (>3μg/g). These risk categories were used to estimate potential mercury risk to avian piscivores across the west at a 1degree-by-1degree grid cell resolution. Avian piscivores foraging on larger-sized fish generally were at a higher relative risk to Hg. Habitats with a relatively high risk included wetland complexes (e.g., prairie pothole in Saskatchewan), river deltas (e.g., San Francisco Bay, Puget Sound, Columbia River), and arid lands (Great Basin and central Arizona). These results indicate that more intensive avian piscivore sampling is needed across Western North America to generate a more robust assessment of exposure risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson Jackson
- Oregon State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME 04103, USA
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA 95620, USA
| | - James J Willacker
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - John E Elliott
- Environment Canada Science and Technology Branch, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta, British Columbia V4K 3N2, Canada
| | - Jesse M Lepak
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 317 West Prospect Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Stacy S Vander Pol
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Colleen E Bryan
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
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Ackerman JT, Eagles-Smith CA, Herzog MP, Hartman CA, Peterson SH, Evers DC, Jackson AK, Elliott JE, Vander Pol SS, Bryan CE. Avian mercury exposure and toxicological risk across western North America: A synthesis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 568:749-769. [PMID: 27093907 PMCID: PMC5365029 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.03.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury contamination of the environment is an important issue globally, and birds are useful bioindicators for mercury monitoring programs. The available data on mercury contamination of birds in western North America were synthesized. Original data from multiple databases were obtained and a literature review was conducted to obtain additional mercury concentrations. In total, 29219 original bird mercury concentrations from 225 species were compiled, and an additional 1712 mean mercury concentrations, representing 19998 individuals and 176 species, from 200 publications were obtained. To make mercury data comparable across bird tissues, published equations of tissue mercury correlations were used to convert all mercury concentrations into blood-equivalent mercury concentrations. Blood-equivalent mercury concentrations differed among species, foraging guilds, habitat types, locations, and ecoregions. Piscivores and carnivores exhibited the greatest mercury concentrations, whereas herbivores and granivores exhibited the lowest mercury concentrations. Bird mercury concentrations were greatest in ocean and salt marsh habitats and lowest in terrestrial habitats. Bird mercury concentrations were above toxicity benchmarks in many areas throughout western North America, and multiple hotspots were identified. Additionally, published toxicity benchmarks established in multiple tissues were summarized and translated into a common blood-equivalent mercury concentration. Overall, 66% of birds sampled in western North American exceeded a blood-equivalent mercury concentration of 0.2 μg/g wet weight (ww; above background levels), which is the lowest-observed effect level, 28% exceeded 1.0 μg/g ww (moderate risk), 8% exceeded 3.0 μg/g ww (high risk), and 4% exceeded 4.0 μg/g ww (severe risk). Mercury monitoring programs should sample bird tissues, such as adult blood and eggs, that are most-easily translated into tissues with well-developed toxicity benchmarks and that are directly relevant to bird reproduction. Results indicate that mercury contamination of birds is prevalent in many areas throughout western North America, and large-scale ecological attributes are important factors influencing bird mercury concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, California 95620, United States.
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, United States
| | - Mark P Herzog
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, California 95620, United States
| | - C Alex Hartman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, California 95620, United States
| | - Sarah H Peterson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, California 95620, United States
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, Maine, 04103, United States
| | - Allyson K Jackson
- Oregon State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, United States
| | - John E Elliott
- Environment Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta, British Columbia, V4K 3N2, Canada
| | - Stacy S Vander Pol
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412, United States
| | - Colleen E Bryan
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412, United States
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Ackerman JT, Hartman CA, Eagles-Smith CA, Herzog MP, Davis J, Ichikawa G, Bonnema A. Estimating Mercury Exposure of Piscivorous Birds and Sport Fish Using Prey Fish Monitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:13596-13604. [PMID: 26449260 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b02691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury is a global pollutant of aquatic ecosystems, and monitoring programs need tools to predict mercury exposure of wildlife. We developed equations to estimate methylmercury exposure of piscivorous birds and sport fish using mercury concentrations in prey fish. We collected original data on western grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and Clark's grebes (Aechmophorus clarkii) and summarized the published literature to generate predictive equations specific to grebes and a general equation for piscivorous birds. We measured mercury concentrations in 354 grebes (blood averaged 1.06 ± 0.08 μg/g ww), 101 grebe eggs, 230 sport fish (predominantly largemouth bass and rainbow trout), and 505 prey fish (14 species) at 25 lakes throughout California. Mercury concentrations in grebe blood, grebe eggs, and sport fish were strongly related to mercury concentrations in prey fish among lakes. Each 1.0 μg/g dw (∼0.24 μg/g ww) increase in prey fish resulted in an increase in mercury concentrations of 103% in grebe blood, 92% in grebe eggs, and 116% in sport fish. We also found strong correlations between mercury concentrations in grebes and sport fish among lakes. Our results indicate that prey fish monitoring can be used to estimate mercury exposure of piscivorous birds and sport fish when wildlife cannot be directly sampled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey , Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, California 95620, United States
| | - C Alex Hartman
- U.S. Geological Survey , Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, California 95620, United States
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey , Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Mark P Herzog
- U.S. Geological Survey , Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, California 95620, United States
| | - Jay Davis
- San Francisco Estuary Institute , 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, California 94804, United States
| | - Gary Ichikawa
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife , 7544 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, California 95039, United States
| | - Autumn Bonnema
- Moss Landing Marine Laboratories , 7544 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, California 95039, United States
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Depew DC, Burgess NM, Campbell LM. Spatial patterns of methylmercury risks to common loons and piscivorous fish in Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:13093-13103. [PMID: 24156245 DOI: 10.1021/es403534q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Deposition of inorganic mercury (Hg) from the atmosphere remains the principle source of Hg contamination for most aquatic ecosystems. Inorganic Hg is readily converted to toxic methylmercury (MeHg) that bioaccumulates in aquatic food webs and may pose a risk to piscivorous fish and wildlife. We conducted a screening-level risk assessment to evaluate the extent of risk to top aquatic piscivores: the common loon (Gavia immer), walleye (Sander vitreus), and northern pike (Esox lucius). Risk quotients (RQs) were calculated on the basis of a dietary Hg exposure indicator (HgPREY) modeled from over 230,000 observations of fish Hg concentrations at over 1900 locations across Canada and dietary Hg exposure screening benchmarks derived specifically for this assessment. HgPREY exceeded benchmark thresholds related to impaired productivity and behavior in adult loons at 10% and 36% of sites, respectively, and exceeded benchmark thresholds for impaired reproduction and health in fishes at 82% and 73% of sites, respectively. The ecozones of southeastern Canada characterized by extensive forest cover, elevated Hg deposition, and poorly buffered soils had the greatest proportion of RQs > 1.0. Results of this assessment suggest that common loons and piscivorous fishes would likely benefit from reductions in Hg deposition, especially in southeastern Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Depew
- Department of Biology and School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
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Windels SK, Beever EA, Paruk JD, Brinkman AR, Fox JE, Macnulty CC, Evers DC, Siegel LS, Osborne DC. Effects of water-level management on nesting success of common loons. J Wildl Manage 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steve K. Windels
- Voyageurs National Park; 360 Hwy. 11 E. International Falls MN 56649 USA
| | - Erik A. Beever
- National Park Service, Great Lakes Inventory & Monitoring Network; 2800 Lake Shore Dr. E. Ashland WI 54806 USA
| | | | | | - Jennifer E. Fox
- Voyageurs National Park; 360 Hwy. 11 E. International Falls MN 56649 USA
| | - Cory C. Macnulty
- LoonWatch, Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute; 1411 Ellis Ave. Ashland WI 54806 USA
| | - David C. Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute; 652 Main St. Gorham ME 04038 USA
| | - Lori S. Siegel
- Siegel Environmental Dynamics; LLC; 5 Carriage Lane Hanover NH 03755 USA
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Depew DC, Burgess NM, Campbell LM. Modelling mercury concentrations in prey fish: derivation of a national-scale common indicator of dietary mercury exposure for piscivorous fish and wildlife. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2013; 176:234-43. [PMID: 23434774 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The National Descriptive Model for Mercury in Fish (NDMMF) was applied to a Canada - wide dataset of fish mercury (Hg) concentrations to derive a common indicator of dietary methylmercury (MeHg) exposure (HgPREY) to piscivorous fish and wildlife. The NDMMF provided unbiased parameter estimates and strong spatial biases in prediction error were not apparent. Prediction error was comparatively higher when sample sizes were small and events with high Hg concentrations. Estimates of HgPREY from 1936 locations between 1990 and 2010 averaged 0.09 ± 0.07 μg g(-1) (wet wt) and increased from west to east in a manner consistent with independent measures of MeHg exposure in piscivorous wildlife and conceptual models of aquatic ecosystem sensitivity to Hg methylation and bioaccumulation. The HgPREY dataset offers an approach to evaluate the risk of MeHg exposure to piscivorous fish and wildlife on a continental scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Depew
- School of Environmental Studies and Biology Department, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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26
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Lambert KF, Evers DC, Warner KA, King SL, Selin NE. Integrating mercury science and policy in the marine context: challenges and opportunities. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2012; 119:132-42. [PMID: 22901766 PMCID: PMC4271454 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2011] [Revised: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a global pollutant and presents policy challenges at local, regional, and global scales. Mercury poses risks to the health of people, fish, and wildlife exposed to elevated levels of mercury, most commonly from the consumption of methylmercury in marine and estuarine fish. The patchwork of current mercury abatement efforts limits the effectiveness of national and multi-national policies. This paper provides an overview of the major policy challenges and opportunities related to mercury in coastal and marine environments, and highlights science and policy linkages of the past several decades. The U.S. policy examples explored here point to the need for a full life cycle approach to mercury policy with a focus on source reduction and increased attention to: (1) the transboundary movement of mercury in air, water, and biota; (2) the coordination of policy efforts across multiple environmental media; (3) the cross-cutting issues related to pollutant interactions, mitigation of legacy sources, and adaptation to elevated mercury via improved communication efforts; and (4) the integration of recent research on human and ecological health effects into benefits analyses for regulatory purposes. Stronger science and policy integration will benefit national and international efforts to prevent, control, and minimize exposure to methylmercury.
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Depew DC, Basu N, Burgess NM, Campbell LM, Evers DC, Grasman KA, Scheuhammer AM. Derivation of screening benchmarks for dietary methylmercury exposure for the common loon (Gavia immer): rationale for use in ecological risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2012; 31:2399-2407. [PMID: 22865698 DOI: 10.1002/etc.1971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The current understanding of methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity to avian species has improved considerably in recent years and indicates that exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of MeHg through the diet can adversely affect various aspects of avian health, reproduction, and survival. Because fish-eating birds are at particular risk for elevated MeHg exposure, the authors surveyed the available primary and secondary literature to summarize the effects of dietary MeHg on the common loon (Gavia immer) and to derive ecologically relevant toxic thresholds for dietary exposure to MeHg in fish prey. After considering the available data, the authors propose three screening benchmarks of 0.1, 0.18, and 0.4 µg g(-1) wet weight MeHg in prey fish. The lowest benchmark (0.1 µg g(-1) wet wt) is the threshold for adverse behavioral impacts in adult loons and is close to the empirically determined no observed adverse effects level for subclinical effects observed in captive loon chicks. The remaining benchmarks (0.18 and 0.4 µg g(-1) wet wt) correspond to MeHg levels in prey fish associated with significant reproductive impairment and reproductive failure in wild adult loons. Overall, these benchmarks incorporate recent findings and reviews of MeHg toxicity in aquatic fish-eating birds and provide the basis for a national ecological risk assessment for Hg and loons in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Depew
- Department of Biology and School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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Wiener JG, Sandheinrich MB, Bhavsar SP, Bohr JR, Evers DC, Monson BA, Schrank CS. Toxicological significance of mercury in yellow perch in the Laurentian Great Lakes region. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2012; 161:350-357. [PMID: 22024153 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the risks of mercury in yellow perch, a species important in the trophic transfer of methylmercury, in the Great Lakes region. Mean concentrations in whole perch from 45 (6.5%) of 691 waters equaled or exceeded 0.20 μg/g w.w., a threshold for adverse effects in fish. In whole perch within the size range eaten by common loons (<100 g), mean concentrations exceeded a dietary threshold (0.16 μg/g w.w.) for significant reproductive effects on loons in 19 (7.3%) of 260 waters. Mean concentrations in fillets of perch with length ≥ 15.0 cm, the minimum size retained by anglers, exceeded the USEPA criterion (0.3 μg/g w.w.) in 26 (6.4%) of 404 U.S. waters and exceeded the Ontario guideline (0.26 μg/g w.w.) in 35 (20%) of 179 Ontario waters. Mercury levels in yellow perch in some waters within this region pose risks to perch, to common loons, and to mercury-sensitive human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G Wiener
- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, River Studies Center, 1725 State Street, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA.
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29
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Evers DC, Wiener JG, Basu N, Bodaly RA, Morrison HA, Williams KA. Mercury in the Great Lakes region: bioaccumulation, spatiotemporal patterns, ecological risks, and policy. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2011; 20:1487-1499. [PMID: 21909960 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-011-0784-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This special issue examines bioaccumulation and risks of methylmercury in food webs, fish and wildlife in the Laurentian Great Lakes region of North America, and explores mercury policy in the region and elsewhere in the United States and Canada. A total of 35 papers emanated from a bi-national synthesis of multi-media data from monitoring programs and research investigations on mercury in aquatic and terrestrial biota, a 3-year effort involving more than 170 scientists and decision-makers from 55 different universities, non-governmental organizations, and governmental agencies. Over 290,000 fish mercury data points were compiled from monitoring programs and research investigations. The findings from this scientific synthesis indicate that (1) mercury remains a pollutant of major concern in the Great Lakes region, (2) that the scope and intensity of the problem is greater than previously recognized and (3) that after decades of declining mercury levels in fish and wildlife concentrations are now increasing in some species and areas. While the reasons behind these shifting trends require further study, they also underscore the need to identify information gaps and expand monitoring efforts to better track progress. This will be particularly important as new pollution prevention measures are implemented, as global sources increase, and as the region faces changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Gorham, ME 04038, USA.
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