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Wildlife Toxicology

Study site locations: Illinois - Trace element exposure in lesser scaup in the Mississippi Flyway

Although selenium is an essential element it can be harmful if concentrations are too high. Concentrations of selenium were at generally normal levels in lesser scaup although a small percentage exceeded 10ug/g dry wt. , a threshold indicating possible adverse effects in the bird species.

Custer, C. M., T. W. Custer, M.J. Anteau, A. D. Afton, and D. E. Wooten.  2003. Trace elements in lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) from the Mississippi Flyway. Ecotoxicology 12:47-54.

Anteau, M.J., A.D. Afton, C.M. Custer, and T.W. Custer. 2007. Relationships of cadmium, mercury, and selenium with nutrient reserves of female lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) during winter and spring migration. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 26:515-520.

Page Last Modified: April 3, 2018