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Trace elements and ingested plastic debris in wintering dovekies (Alle alle)
Danielle T Fife1, Gregory J Robertson2, Dave Shutler1
1Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada.
Marine Pollution Bulletin
|December 16, 2014
Summary
This study reports winter trace metal concentrations in dovekies (Alle alle), revealing higher mercury levels in birds feeding at higher trophic levels. Plastic debris was also found, highlighting contaminant exposure in this Arctic seabird.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Ecotoxicology
- Arctic ecology
Background:
- Dovekies (Alle alle) are small Arctic seabirds with seasonal dietary shifts.
- Understanding their contaminant profiles is crucial for Arctic marine food web health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report winter trace metal concentrations in dovekies.
- To investigate relationships between diet, trophic level, and contaminant burdens.
- To identify the presence of ingested plastic debris.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 32 trace metals in 25 dovekies.
- Stable isotope analysis (δ(13)C and δ(15)N) to determine trophic levels.
- Gizzard content analysis for plastic debris.
Main Results:
- Similar trace element concentrations were found between adult male and female dovekies.
- Higher hepatic mercury (Hg) concentrations were observed in dovekies feeding at higher trophic levels.
- Plastic debris was detected in 14% of the examined gizzards.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first winter contaminant data for dovekies.
- Dietary habits influence mercury bioaccumulation in dovekies.
- Dovekies are exposed to plastic pollution in their Arctic marine environment.
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