Developing a Mercury Exposure Profile for Mink and River Otter in Maine
Evers DC, Yates D, Savoy L. 2002. Developing a Mercury Exposure Profile for Mink and River Otter in Maine. Report BRI 2002-10. BioDiversity Research Institute. Falmouth, ME
Respective mean mercury levels in otter and mink fur, 19.6 and 21.8 ppm, were near concentrations considered to have adverse effects in other studies. The proportion of sampled populations exceeding 20 ppm in the fur was 61 % for otter and 47% for mink. Mink fur Hg levels ranged up to 68.5 ppm. Brain and liver Hg levels· were well below published lethal levels. The strong relationship among brain, liver, and fur Hg levels indicates great flexibility in using one compartment for determining mercury exposure. Otter and mink mercury levels from western and northern Maine indicate greatest risk. Continued collection of carcasses through our established trapper network will increase sample size and geographic scope. Soon, we will have a suitable mercury exposure profile that can be used to model a wildlife criterion value protective of Maine's mink and river otter population. /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /ACADIA NATIONAL PARK/MOUNT DESERT ISLAND/
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Evers, David; Yates, Dave; Savoy, Lucas
- Date of Issue
- 2002-05-03
- Publisher
- BioDiversity Research Institute
- Units
- ACAD
- Keywords
- Acadia National Park, Biomagnification, Heavy Metals, Mercury (Hg), Monitoring, Mount Desert Island