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Can wetland water-management influence mercury bioaccumulation in songbirds and ducks at National Wildlife Refuges with mercury problems? Active

By Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center June 27, 2018

During summer 2017, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) initiated a collaborative research study focused on understanding if water-level management of wetlands at refuges can influence mercury bioaccumulation in wetland-dependent migratory birds.  Birds are susceptible to the effects of mercury and can serve as indicators of contamination in ecosystems. We examined mercury concentrations of songbirds and waterfowl using 7 different management units at Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge near Grand Forks, North Dakota. A mercury hotspot had previously been reported in this area; our work is designed to investigate the potential that 4 different water management regimes can influence mercury bioaccumulation. Preliminary analysis indicates that wetland management regime has profound implications for mercury bioaccumulation in migratory birds. We view this work as a case study which we wish to replicate in other public lands where mercury contamination is a concern. Ultimately, this work could have implications for water-level management of wetlands on public lands in areas where mercury may be a concern. 

During summer 2017, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) initiated a collaborative research study focused on understanding if water-level management of wetlands at refuges can influence mercury bioaccumulation in wetland-dependent migratory birds.  Birds are susceptible to the effects of mercury and can serve as indicators of contamination in ecosystems. We examined mercury concentrations of songbirds and waterfowl using 7 different management units at Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge near Grand Forks, North Dakota. A mercury hotspot had previously been reported in this area; our work is designed to investigate the potential that 4 different water management regimes can influence mercury bioaccumulation. Preliminary analysis indicates that wetland management regime has profound implications for mercury bioaccumulation in migratory birds. We view this work as a case study which we wish to replicate in other public lands where mercury contamination is a concern. Ultimately, this work could have implications for water-level management of wetlands on public lands in areas where mercury may be a concern.