Levels and Effects of Mercury in Aves: A Review Research Paper

Levels and Effects of Mercury in Aves: A Review
A discussion of various studies done on bird populations showing the negative effects of methylmercury (MeHg).
# 128394 | 2,400 words | 21 sources | APA | 2010 | US
Published on Jul 19, 2010 in Biology (Zoology) , Biology (Marine) , Biology (Ecology)


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Description:

This paper discusses mercury contamination, a serious environmental problem in aquatic ecosystems resulting in negative effects on birds, fish, mammals, and even humans. The writer explains how by testing the MeHg levels in various bird species that are known to be piscivorous, the MeHg pollution level in a local ecosystem can be assessed. This is key to keeping levels low in human populations as ecosystems with high MeHg levels should not be used for fishing. The paper concludes that various studies on bird populations show that both lethal and sublethal doses affect both behavior and productivity.

Outline:

Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Statistical Analyses
Results and Discussion
Common Loon
Ibises and Egrets
Bald Eagles
Falcons
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Mercury is a pervasive environmental pollutant that, in its gaseous elemental state, can be transported globally due to various characteristics that make it unreactive and stable, thus extended the lifetime of the elemental form. Mercury and most of its compounds are exceptionally toxic. Mercury is unique when compared to other trace metal elements found in the atmosphere as it is found almost entirely in its gaseous form (Hylander & Goodsite 2005). Mercury is deposited into the atmosphere due to both nature and human-generated sources. Most of the human-generated mercury comes from stationary combustion generally by coal-fired power plants and other municipal incinerators. Other sources include gold production, non-ferrous metal production, cement production, and other various sources."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Bennett R, French J, Rossmann R, Haebler R (2008) Dietary Toxicity and Tissue Accumulation of Methylmercury in American Kestrels, Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Volume 56, Issue 1,Pages 149-156
  • Bloom NS. (1992) On the chemical form of mercury in edible fish and marine invertebrate tissue ,Canadian Journal of Fish and Aquatic Sciences, Volume 49, Pages 1010-1017.
  • Bond A, Diamond A (2009) Total and Methyl Mercury Concentrations in Seabird Feathers and Eggs, Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Volume 56, Issue 2,Pages 286-291
  • DesGranges J, Rodrigue J, Tardif B, Laperle M (1998) Mercury Accumulation and Biomagnification in Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus)in the James Bay and Hudson Bay Regions of Que'bec, Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Volume 35, Pages 330-341
  • Driscoll C, Han Y, Chen C, Evers D, Lambert K, Holsen T, Kamman N, Munson R (2007) Mercury Contamination in Forest and Freshwater Ecosystems in the Northeastern United States, Journal of University of California Press

Cite this Research Paper:

APA Format

Levels and Effects of Mercury in Aves: A Review (2010, July 19) Retrieved February 06, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/research-paper/levels-and-effects-of-mercury-in-aves-a-review-128394/

MLA Format

"Levels and Effects of Mercury in Aves: A Review" 19 July 2010. Web. 06 February. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/research-paper/levels-and-effects-of-mercury-in-aves-a-review-128394/>

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