Mercury in feathers form Chilean birds: influence of location, feeding strategy, and taxonomic affiliation

摘要

This study reports baseline concentrations of mercury (hg) in feathers form different species of birds sampled at various locations off the Chilean coast (Southeastern Pacific). Hg concentrations were evaluated in relation to geographic location, taxonomic af- filiation, and feeding strategies. Between January and March of 1995, we collected mature contour feathers from 116 birds belonging to 22 species, mostly seabirds. Birds were collected from 10 different locations (26°09′S, 70°40′W to 54°56′S, 67°37′W). Feather Hg concentrations ranged form 0.11 to 13 μg g~-1 dry weight.