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Wildlife Toxicology

Study site locations: Ohio - Zebra mussels are a vector for increased contaminant exposure - Goldeneye and other diving ducks

Waterfowl species were exposed to  and accumulated high levels of selenium.  One of the main exposure pathways was the consumption of the invasive zebra mussels that now comprise a large percentage of these species diets in the western portions of Lake Erie.

Custer, C.M., and T.W. Custer. 1996. Food habits of diving ducks in the Great Lakes diving ducks after the zebra mussel invasion. J. Field Ornithol. 67:86-99 and Custer, C.M. and T. W. Custer. 2000. Organochlorine and trace element contamination in wintering and migrating diving ducks in the southern Great Lakes since the zebra mussel invasion. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 19:2821-2829

Page Last Modified: April 3, 2018