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DIETARY METHYL MERCURY EXPOSURE IN AMERICAN KESTRELS; PILOT STUDY
Citation:
French Jr., J. B., D. Graham, B. Rattner, D. Hoffman, G. Heinz, R S. Bennett, AND R. Rossmann. DIETARY METHYL MERCURY EXPOSURE IN AMERICAN KESTRELS; PILOT STUDY. Presented at 22nd Annual SETAC Meeting, Baltimore, MD, November 11-15, 2001.
Description:
Anthropogenic mercury emissions have increased atmospheric mercury levels about threefold since the advent of industrial activity. Atmospheric deposition is the primary source of mercury in the environment hence mercury contamination has increased in similar fashion. Methyl mercury is the most toxic form of the metal and exposure to it can affect plants, fish, birds, and mammals. Bioaccumulation of methyl mercury can result in sublethal or even lethal effects on some animals, even in environments where mercury levels in water and sediment are very low. Aquatic habitats and biota have been studied almost exclusively; studies on the Common Loon suggest that mercury is having a significant negative effect on the reproductive rates of these fish-eating birds. We are examining the effects of methyl mercury exposure in the American kestrel, a terrestrial, high trophic level carnivore. Our studies so far have identified a progression of motor deficits caused by exposure, located the lethal dose to adults of methyl mercury taken in food, and estimated the dose causing reproductive failure in breeding kestrels. In coming years, this study will investigate reproductive impairment more completely and provide data to model the absorption, accumu;lation and excretion of methyl mercury in kestrels.