Custer, T. W., and Hohman, W. L., 1994, Trace elements in canvasbacks (Aythya
valisineria) wintering in Louisiana, USA, 1987-1988: Environmental Pollution, v.
84, no. 3, p. 253-259.

Abstract

We determined trace element concentrations in livers of canvasbacks (Aythya
valisineria) collected at Catahoula Lake and the Mississippi River Delta, Louisiana
during, the winter of 1987-88. Forty percent of canvasbacks wintering at Lake
Catahoula had elevated concentrations of lead in the liver; 33% had concentrations
consistent with lead intoxication. Based on the number of canvasbacks that winter
at Lake Catahoula and the frequency of lead exposure there, more than 5% of the
continental population of canvasbacks may be exposed to lead at Lake Catahoula
alone. Lead concentrations in livers differed among months and were higher in
males than females, but were not different in adults and immatures. Except for the
elevated concentrations of lead at Catahoula Lake, all trace elements were at
background concentrations.

Keywords

trace-elements, lead-, liver-, Aythya-valisineria, USA,-Louisiana,-Catahoula-L.,
ASW,-USA,-Louisiana,- Mississippi-Delta, bioaccumulation-, aquatic-birds,
freshwater-organisms, water-birds, ecological-effects