ASSESSING TRACE-METAL EXPOSURE TO AMERICAN DIPPERS IN MOUNTAIN STREAMS OF SOUTHWESTERN BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

摘要: To develop a suitable biomonitor of metal pollution in watersheds, we examined trends exposure to nine trace elements the diet (benthic invertebrates and fish), feathers (n = 104), feces 14) an aquatic passerine, American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus), from Chilliwack watershed British Columbia, Canada. We hypothesized that key differences may exist metals for resident dippers occupy main river year-round altitudinal migrants breed on higher elevation tributaries because prey levels between locations or possible composition. Metals most commonly detected feather samples decreasing order were Zn > Cu Hg Se Pb Mn Cd Al As. Resident contained significantly mean concentrations mercury (0.64 microg/g dry wt), cadmium (0.19 copper (10.8 wt) relative migrants. Mass balance models used predict daily with different diets breeding within showed variation primarily was attributed proportion fish residents In comparing predicted values tolerable intakes (TDI), found below range TDI, except selenium, aluminum, zinc. Other metals, such as cadmium, copper, arsenic, only concern mainly feeding insects; consuming high diets. The useful tools demonstrate how shifts location single can result changes be toxicological significance.