COMPARATIVE TISSUE DISTRIBUTION OF MERCURY, CADMIUM AND ZINC IN 3 SPECIES OF PELAGIC SEABIRDS

1. The levels of mercury cadmium and zinc were measured in tissues of puffin (Fratercula arctica) fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) and Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus). 2. The highest levels of zinc and cadmium (up to 480mg/kg Cd, dry wt) were found in kidney, liver, pancreas, gonad, and intestine. 3. Substantial quantities of mercury-mostly methyl mercury-were found in the liver of the fulmar nd Manx shearwater (up to 45.0 mg/kg Hg, dry wt). 4. Puffin feathers contained more mercury (7.94 mg/kg Hg, dry wt) than the liver and kidney. 5. The possibility that, since these birds were breeding they were not suffering any adverse effects of the metals, is discussed. © 1979.