Comparison of lead residues among avian bones.
To determine if significant differences exist in lead (Pb) accumulation in different bones, especially those most often used for bone-Pb studies in wildlife, we compared Pb concentrations in radius, ulna, humerus, femur, and tibia of Common Eider (Somateria mollissima); and radius/ulna (combined), femur, and tibia of American Woodcock (Scolopax minor). There were no significant differences in bone-Pb concentrations among woodcock bones over a wide range of Pb concentrations (3-311 microg/g). In eider, where bone-Pb concentrations were low (<10 microg/g), leg bones had significantly higher Pb concentrations (approximately 30-40%) than wing bones from the same individuals. The variation among individual birds was greater than the variation among different bones within a bird. Based on our findings, we conclude that one type of bone may be substituted for another in bone-Pb studies although the same bone type should be analyzed for all birds within a study, whenever possible.
Ethier
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AL
Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Raven Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0H3.
Braune
B M
BM
Scheuhammer
A M
AM
Bond
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DE
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000737:chemistry*; D046091:Charadriiformes; D004372:Ducks; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D005269:Femur / Q000737:chemistry; D006811:Humerus / Q000737:chemistry; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis*; D011884:Radius / Q000737:chemistry; D013977:Tibia / Q000737:chemistry; D014457:Ulna / Q000737:chemistry
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D007854:Lead