1. Bioaccumulation of Mercury and the effects on Wildlife By: Adam Ware

3. Levels in prey and piscivorous fish Bioaccumulation in birds What does this mean for the top of the food chain?

4. Levels in prey fish Canadian study, eh? Country-wide undertaking focusing on Hg levels in the Yellow Perch

5. Why Yellow Perch? Common prey for piscivores Very tolerant of pH, temperature, and dissolved O 2 Specimens around 12cm in length were selected for study

6. The Pinnacle of the Gilled Piscivores

7. Findings

8. How do you measure Mercury levels? Two common ways: ▫Old, expensive method – Gas Spectrometer ▫New, efficient, and cheaper way – Nano-velcro!

9. Obligate Piscivore

10. Loons and other birds at risk, not just water-dwelling birds! Blood levels (Loons) ▫Concentrations of Hg in adults ranged from 0.12 to 7.80 μg/g (parts per million) ▫Levels in offspring <6 weeks of age ranged from 0.03 to 0.78 μg/g

11. Mercury accumulated in Feathers Relatively large amount built up in feathers. Even with yearly molting, levels are rising. Say what?!

12. Song birds are sensitive too! Blood levels above only 0.7 ppm – 10% reduction in hatchability > 1.7 ppm – over 30% decrease

13. Hg’s Effects at the higher trophic levels Reproductive impairment ▫Birds have trouble hitting certain notes Reduced hatchability in water and land-based birds. Deformation of fetus during early development period.

14. Questions?