Hepatic Concentrations of Inorganic Contaminants and Their Relationships with Nutrient Reserves in Autumn-Migrant Common Loons at Lake Erie
2012
Schummer, Michael L. | Petrie, Scott A. | Badzinski, Shannon S. | Chen, Yu-Wei | Belzile, Nelson
Common loons (Gavia immer) are piscivorous, high–trophic level feeders that bioaccumulate inorganic contaminants at concentrations that can negatively impact their health and reproduction. Concentrations of inorganic contaminants, especially mercury (Hg), in blood, organs, and muscle have been quantified in common loons on breeding grounds, but these data are limited for migrating loons. We investigated sex- and age-related hepatic concentrations of inorganic contaminants in common loons (n = 53) that died from botulism and were salvaged at a Great Lakes staging area (i.e., Long Point, Lake Erie) during November 2005. We also investigated if hepatic concentrations of inorganic contaminants influenced lipid, protein, and mineral in our sample of migrant common loons. Last, we determined if there was correlation between Hg and selenium (Se). Consistent with data from breeding grounds, mean concentrations of Hg in liver were approximately 2.5 times greater in adult ([Formula: see text] = 14.64 ± 16.69 μg g−1) compared with juvenile birds ([Formula: see text] = 3.99 ± 2.27 μg g−1). Elements detected in liver at potentially harmful levels were Hg and Se, of which lipid reserves varied negatively with Hg concentrations but positively with Se concentrations. In addition, Hg and Se were correlated (r = 0.65) at greater then a demethylation threshold (total Hg ≥ 8.5 μg g−1 dw) but not lower than that. Concentrations of inorganic contaminants did not influence protein and mineral levels in our sample of common loons. Our results suggest that Hg accumulation negatively affects lipid levels in migrant common loons. Results are also consistent with a nontoxic Hg–Se protein complex protecting loons migrating through areas that are relatively Se rich. Although the acquisition of Se during the nonbreeding season may decrease the toxicity of Hg, future research should consider the synergistic Hg–Se effect on reproduction in common loons that migrate through Se-rich locales, such as the Great Lakes.
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