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Hepatic Element Concentrations of Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) During Spring Migration in the Upper Midwest

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Abstract

High concentrations of some hepatic elements might be contributing to the decline of the continental lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) population. We evaluated hepatic element concentrations of male and female lesser scaup collected from the upper Midwest (Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota) during the 2003 and 2004 spring migrations. We measured concentrations of 24 elements in livers of 117 lesser scaup. We found that only selenium concentrations were at levels (>3.0 μg/g wet weight [ww)]) proposed to adversely affect reproduction. Approximately 49% of females (n = 61) had individual hepatic concentrations >3.0 μg/g ww selenium (Se). Our observed hepatic concentration of Se was similar to that reported in lesser scaup collected from the mid-continental United States but less than Se concentrations reported from the Great Lakes region. We found that the liver cadmium (Cd) concentration for males was significantly higher than that for females. Gender differences in hepatic Cd concentrations have not been previously reported for lesser scaup, but Cd is known to have negative impacts on male reproduction. Our results indicate that lesser scaup migrating through the upper Midwest in spring have elevated Se levels and that males carry a significantly greater Cd burden than females. Moreover, elemental concentrations might be high enough to affect reproduction in both male and female lesser scaup, but controlled laboratory studies are needed to adequately assess the effects of Se and Cd on lesser scaup reproduction.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to S. Vaa, J. Ringelman, M. Anteau, and G. Zenner and their associates for their assistance with duck collections and transport. Our project was possible through the South Dakota and Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units in cooperation with the US Geological Survey, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, South Dakota State University, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Funding for this research was provided through the Wildlife Restoration Program administered by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (Federal aid project W-75-R-75110). The South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is jointly supported by the US Geological Survey, South Dakota State University, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks, US Fish and Wildlife Services, and the Wildlife Management Institute.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 2764 Vet Med, Ames, IA, 50011-1250, USA

    Angela E. Pillatzki

  2. Veterinary Science Department, Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, South Dakota State University, Box 2175, Brookings, SD, 57007-1696, USA

    Regg D. Neiger

  3. USGS-South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, South Dakota State University, Box 2140B, Brookings, SD, 57007-1696, USA

    Steven R. Chipps & Kenneth F. Higgins

  4. Veterinary Science Department, Olson Biochemistry Laboratory, South Dakota State University, Box 2170, Brookings, SD, 57007-1696, USA

    Nancy Thiex

  5. USGS-Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    Alan D. Afton

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  1. Angela E. Pillatzki
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  2. Regg D. Neiger
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Correspondence to Angela E. Pillatzki.

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Pillatzki, A.E., Neiger, R.D., Chipps, S.R. et al. Hepatic Element Concentrations of Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) During Spring Migration in the Upper Midwest. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 61, 144–150 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-010-9587-1

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