K. Bischoff et al., Mercury and selenium concentrations in livers and eggs of common loons (Gavia immer) from Minnesota, ARCH ENV C, 42(1), 2002, pp. 71-76
Citations number
39
Categorie Soggetti
Environment/Ecology,"Pharmacology & Toxicology
Journal title
ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
Mercury and selenium act as mutual antagonists in mature birds, but their t
oxicity is additive or synergistic in avian embryos and immature birds. Twe
nty eggs and livers C,g from 18 mature and 9 immature common loon carcasses
found in Minnesota were collected. Livers and eggs were analyzed for mercu
ry and selenium by atomic emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Live
r mercury concentrations were significantly higher in mature loons compared
to those of immature loons and eggs. Liver selenium concentrations were si
gnificantly higher in mature loons than those of immature loons, and seleni
um concentrations in immature loon livers were significantly higher than le
vels in eggs. There was a significant positive correlation between mercury
and selenium in loon livers. There was a negative correlation between mercu
ry and selenium in eggs.