Summary

Description

A sample of 39 redhead ducks was collected from Redfish and Baffin Bays on the Texas Coast during the winter of 19881989 to obtain baseline information on contaminant concentrations and determine if contaminant levels changed over winter. The sample was distributed approximately evenly between sexes, bays, and two collection periods early and late winter. Redhead breast muscle was analyzed for organochlorines and livers were analyzed for trace elements. A11 organochlorines were below detection in breast muscle. Boron, copper, molybdenum and selenium accumulated in redheads utilizing Redfish Bay. Silver accumulated in redheads wintering at both bays. The concentrations of boron, molybdenum, and selenium were generally below levels considered harmful. The concentrations of copper and silver in some redheads were elevated when compared to other studies, however, the biological significance of these concentrations is presently unknown. Lead was found at concentrations known to be acutely toxic in two redheads collected from Redfish Bay and may be the result of ingested leadshot.