Correspondence between mercury and stable isotopes in high Arctic marine and terrestrial avian species from northwest Greenland

Burnham, Jennifer Horwath; Burnham, Kurt K.; Chumchal, Matthew M.; Welker, Jeffrey M.; Johnson, Jeff

doi:10.1007/s00300-018-2302-9

Cited by 11 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 84 publications

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“…Methylated Hg constitutes about 97% of the total Hg burden (THg) in polar bear hair . Hg in its methylated form is collected directly from the water by phytoplankton, while zooplankton mainly accumulates MeHg through dietary intake, similar to species higher in the food web. − Within Arctic food webs, Hg tends to show higher biomagnification factors than in warmer regions, leading to one or more orders of magnitude higher concentration of Hg in Arctic apex predators such as polar bears compared to their main prey, ringed seals (Pusa hispida) . In addition to ringed seals, polar bears also feed on bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus), harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus), and hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) − and opportunistically prey or scavenge on whale carcasses, walrus (Odobenus rosmarus), reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), seabirds, and geese. ,− …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Two Decades of Mercury Concentrations in Barents Sea Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) in Relation to Dietary Carbon, Sulfur, and Nitrogen

Lippold

Aars

Andersen

et al. 2020

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Temporal trends of total mercury (THg) were examined in female polar bear (Ursus maritimus) hair (n = 199) from the Barents Sea in 1995−2016. In addition, hair values of stable isotopes (n = 190−197) of carbon (δ 13 C), sulfur (δ 34 S), and nitrogen (δ 15 N) and information on breeding status, body condition, and age were obtained. Stable isotope values of carbon and sulfur reflect dietary source (e.g., marine vs terrestrial) and the nitrogen trophic level. Values for δ 13 C and δ 34 S declined by −1.62 and −1.18‰ over the time of the study period, respectively, while values for δ 15 N showed no trend. Total Hg concentrations were positively related to both δ 13 C and δ 34 S. Yearly median THg concentrations ranged from 1.61 to 2.75 μg/g and increased nonlinearly by 0.86 μg/g in total over the study. Correcting THg concentrations for stable isotope values of carbon and sulfur and additionally breeding status and age slightly accelerated the increase in THg concentrations; however, confidence intervals of the raw THg trend and the corrected THg trend had substantial overlap. The rise in THg concentrations in the polar bear food web was possibly related to climate-related re-emissions of previously stored Hg from thawing sea-ice, glaciers, and permafrost.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Two Decades of Mercury Concentrations in Barents Sea Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) in Relation to Dietary Carbon, Sulfur, and Nitrogen

Lippold

Aars

Andersen

et al. 2020

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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“…Where gyrfalcons prey primarily on ptarmigan, they have low, non-toxic body burdens of persistent contaminants; however, a shift in diet that incorporates migratory waterfowl can result in higher concentrations of contaminants, particularly for mercury (Lindberg 1984;Jarman et al 1994;Matz et al 2011). As part of a study to assess mercury concentrations in marine and terrestrial birds, Burnham et al (2018) indicated that some peregrine falcons exhibited mercury concentrations suggestive of medium risk for toxicity (i.e., between 1000 and 3000 ng g -1 wet weight). Burnham et al (2018) did not quantify mercury concentrations in adult gyrfalcons, and it is unknown whether gyrfalcons have accumulated mercury to the same degree that peregrine falcons have, although in museum specimens from Greenland (1880Greenland ( -2000 the levels were roughly comparable between the two species over time (Dietz et al 2006).…”

Section: Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As part of a study to assess mercury concentrations in marine and terrestrial birds, Burnham et al (2018) indicated that some peregrine falcons exhibited mercury concentrations suggestive of medium risk for toxicity (i.e., between 1000 and 3000 ng g -1 wet weight). Burnham et al (2018) did not quantify mercury concentrations in adult gyrfalcons, and it is unknown whether gyrfalcons have accumulated mercury to the same degree that peregrine falcons have, although in museum specimens from Greenland (1880Greenland ( -2000 the levels were roughly comparable between the two species over time (Dietz et al 2006).…”

Section: Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Status and trends of circumpolar peregrine falcon and gyrfalcon populations

Franke

Falk²,

Hawkshaw

et al. 2019

Ambio

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The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and the gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) are top avian predators of Arctic ecosystems. Although existing monitoring efforts are well established for both species, collaboration of activities among Arctic scientists actively involved in research of large falcons in the Nearctic and Palearctic has been poorly coordinated. Here we provide the first overview of Arctic falcon monitoring sites, present trends for long-term occupancy and productivity, and summarize information describing abundance, distribution, phenology, and health of the two species. We summarize data for 24 falcon monitoring sites across the Arctic, and identify gaps in coverage for eastern Russia, the Arctic Archipelago of Canada, and East Greenland. Our results indicate that peregrine falcon and gyrfalcon populations are generally stable, and assuming that these patterns hold beyond the temporal and spatial extents of the monitoring sites, it is reasonable to suggest that breeding populations at broader scales are similarly stable. We have highlighted several challenges that preclude direct comparisons of Focal Ecosystem Components (FEC) attributes among monitoring sites, and we acknowledge that methodological problems cannot be corrected retrospectively, but could be accounted for in future monitoring. Despite these drawbacks, ample opportunity exists to establish a coordinated monitoring program for Arctic-nesting raptor species that supports CBMP goals.

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“…A 2004 review by Mallory et al (2004a) concluded that heavy metal elements including cadmium, selenium and copper were below toxic levels in S. mollissima in Canada and a study published in the same year by Mallory et al (2004b) also concluded trace metal elements were below toxic levels in F. glacialis and C. grylle in Canada. Finally, a 2010-2012 study on blood mercury concentrations of 24 species in Greenland found that only three of the species were at medium risk of mercury toxicity, while 11 were at low risk (Burnham et al 2018).…”

Section: Chemical Manufacturementioning

confidence: 99%

Anthropogenic impacts on the demographics of Arctic-breeding birds

2020

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The Arctic supports a diversity of breeding birds. Since the mid-twentieth century, anthropogenic-source climate change, industrial activity and harvest have impacted this ecosystem and the demographics of its breeding birds, highlighting the need to synthesise current knowledge. A scoping review was conducted to quantify recent population trends and identify impacts of anthropogenic activity on species' demography. The literature revealed that many seabird trends were mixed or uncertain. Trends among waterfowl, divers and cranes were largely upward or stable. Trends among waders, passerines and raptors, however, were more evenly distributed upward and downward. Wader trends tended to be more positive in the East Atlantic flyway compared to other flyways, while many raptor populations are recovering following historic losses. In contrast, grouse experienced uncertain or negative trends. Weather regime and vegetation shifts, phenological mismatches and diminishing sea ice associated with climate change are important drivers of demography. The strength and direction of these impacts, however, varies among guilds and between the low and high-Arctic. The extraction, chemical, agriculture and fisheries industries also impact demography. Research on heavy metal and organochlorine contamination was prevalent in the literature, despite having relatively weaker impacts than other drivers. Although bird harvest has had profound impacts on Arctic populations, recently updated regulations and improvements in policy have ameliorated its impact somewhat. Nonetheless, many anthropogenic impacts are predicted to become more severe in the future, with consequences for breeding bird trends, therefore continued pan-Arctic monitoring and addressing knowledge gaps will be necessary to preserve this unique biome.

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Correspondence between mercury and stable isotopes in high Arctic marine and terrestrial avian species from northwest Greenland

Cited by 11 publications

References 84 publications

Two Decades of Mercury Concentrations in Barents Sea Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) in Relation to Dietary Carbon, Sulfur, and Nitrogen

Two Decades of Mercury Concentrations in Barents Sea Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) in Relation to Dietary Carbon, Sulfur, and Nitrogen

Status and trends of circumpolar peregrine falcon and gyrfalcon populations

Anthropogenic impacts on the demographics of Arctic-breeding birds

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