Evidence of heavy metal accumulations in Sooty Terns

Sooty Terns from the population that nests at Dry Tortugas, Florida, were found to have substantial burdens of cadmium, mercury and selenium. Analysis of selected tissues, faeces and eggs by neuteon activation techniques showed highest levels of mercury in eggs, feathers and blood; of cadmium in kid...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Science of the total environment 1980-01, Vol.14 (2), p.147-152
Main Authors: Stoneburner, D.L., Patty, P.C., Robertson, W.B.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Sooty Terns from the population that nests at Dry Tortugas, Florida, were found to have substantial burdens of cadmium, mercury and selenium. Analysis of selected tissues, faeces and eggs by neuteon activation techniques showed highest levels of mercury in eggs, feathers and blood; of cadmium in kidney and bone; and of selenium in kidney, liver and feathers. The concentrations of cadmium, mercury and selenium found in the eggs suggests that the heavy metals are being transmitted to succeeding generations. The significance of the concentrations, their effect on the reproductive success of the population, and the question of whether or not the metals transmitted to eggs represent “bio-magnification” merit further work.
ISSN:0048-9697
1879-1026
DOI:10.1016/0048-9697(80)90070-4