|
||
Due to mercury in our environment, the risk to loons in Maine is high. Forty-six percent of the loon eggs laid in Maine appear to be at a high risk for mercury poisoning. If the eggs do hatch, elevated mercury levels might cause behavior in chicks that give them less protection from predators. Even more alarming, mercury impacts reproductive rates for our adult loons. Relationships could exist between high mercury concentrations and:
If loons ingest too much mercury they will have fewer babies, more chicks won’t make it to breeding age, and we may begin to see fewer and fewer loons on our lakes. Most mercury entering our environment is the result of air emissions; however, other potential sources include industrial wastewater and improper disposal of batteries. The highest emitters of mercury to the air, according to the US EPA, are coal-fired power plants, municipal waste combustors, medical waste incinerators, and hazardous waste combustors. Burning items that contain mercury sends the metal skyward. You Can Make A Difference! Florescent bulbs, mercury containing thermometers, and car and personal batteries are the worst wastes found in the home. The best thing that people can do is to make "mercury-free" purchases. For instance, mercury-free batteries are available. And contact your representatives to encourage reductions in mercury emissions throughout the US and the world. We need reductions here in Maine, and throughout the country to protect and preserve our loons for future generations. For more information on Loons, attend the presentation by Mark Pokras, DVM, on Loon Health and Behavior at the Maine Lakes Conference on June 20th! Dr. Pokras, a loon specialist from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, will unravel some of the mystery surrounding this ancient species. This article is from Water Logs, sponsored by: Penobscot Country Soil & Water Conservation District
|
