Trace Elements in the Feathers of Waterfowl from Nanhaizi Wetland, Baotou, China.

The trace element concentrations (Cr, Ni, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe) of feathers from Ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), Gadwall (Anas strepera), and Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) from Nanhaizi Wetland, China were measured. (1) There were significant differences in the concentrations of the Cr, Ni, and Pb among the waterfowl species. The concentrations of Cr and Ni in Gadwall feathers and Pb in Green-winged Teal feathers were higher than the concentrations of Cr, Ni and Pb in Ferruginous duck. (2) The Pb concentrations in the feathers of four Green-winged Teals and one Ferruginous duck, Cr concentrations in the feathers of Gadwalls (geomean 5.33 µg g-1 dry weight) and Green-winged Teals (geomean 4.55 µg g-1 dry weight) exceeded the thresholds at which they pose a threat to bird health (i.e., Pb > 4 µg g-1, Cr > 2.8 µg g-1). (3) The Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn concentrations of feathers were within the normal ranges reported for most waterfowl.