Impact of oil‐sands based wetlands on the growth of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) ducklings

Abstract

Identifying the potential effects of industrially formed wetlands on waterfowl populations is important for assessing the suitability of such wetlands in industrial reclamation strategies. Mallard ducklings were held in situ on two industrially formed wetlands and one reference wetland in northern Alberta, Canada. Duckling mass and skeletal size were measured at regular intervals over 33 d, and blood was collected to investigate the analysis of plasma metabolites (triglyceride and glycerol) as an indicator of physiological condition. In repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate ANOVA, and subsequent multiple-comparisons tests, body mass and skeletal size were significantly lower in ducklings maintained on the industrial wetland after 2, 5, 9, and 13 d of exposure. In this situation, plasma metabolite analysis did not provide additional information on mass-independent condition. We conclude that if the observed differences in growth and size translate into a decreased survival of juvenile waterfowl inhabiting these wetlands, then populations of these birds in the area could be negatively affected. We emphasize the importance of field-based ecological research in toxicological studies of wildlife.

Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dibenzothiophenes in wetland sediments and aquatic insects in the oil sands area of Northeastern Alberta, Canada

“…The interstitial spaces in this sand were filled with wastewater and industrial contaminants. As the dyke compressed due to its great weight, dewatering occurred, filling the depression currently occupied by NW with wastewater and associated contaminants (Gurney et al 2005). Currently, NW is dominated by dyke drainage water, with some additions of surface runoff and consolidated tailings water (Golder Associates 2002).…”

“…Currently, NW is dominated by dyke drainage water, with some additions of surface runoff and consolidated tailings water (Golder Associates 2002). Consolidated tailings water is tailings water to which calcium sulphate has been added to accelerate flocculation and settling of fine tails (Gurney et al 2005). NW has been described in other studies that have examined the effects of oil sands-process water on biota (Bendell-Young et al 2000;Smits et al 2000;Gurney et al 2005).…”

“…HP is a small, emergent vegetationdominated wetland with little open water. It was intentionally flooded with consolidated tailings water periodically beginning in 1996 (Gurney et al 2005). MFT was established in 1992 as a field-scale watercapped fine tails pond.…”

“…Concern has been raised about the potential for exposure of fish and aquatic wildlife to PAHs in reclaimed oil sands lakes and wetlands (Van den Heuvel et al 1999;Smits et al 2000;Gurney et al 2005). However, there is little information about levels of PAHs in food organisms of fish and aquatic wildlife in oil sands aquatic ecosystems.…”

Estimated Avian Nest Loss Associated with Oil and Gas Exploration and Extraction in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin

“…Industrial activities associated with the oil and gas industry can also cause long-term changes in habitat supply and quality related to succession of disturbed habitats (Lee and Boutin 2006), mortality due to oil contamination in tailings ponds (Wells et al 2008, Timoney andRonconi 2010), and sublethal effects such as reduced nestling growth (Gurney et al 2005), hormonal stress, and reduced nesting success Smits 2004, Gentes et al 2006). In addition, oil and gas exploration and infrastructure development conducted during the breeding season could also result in the unintentional destruction of nests, eggs, nestlings, and/or adult migratory birds.…”