Assessment of Mercury Concentration in Feathers of Six Species of Waterbirds in Southern Caspian Sea Wetlands

We examined concentrations of mercury (Hg) in the feathers of 72 waterbirds belonging to six species. Mercury concentrations (μg g-1 dry weight) in the feathers of waterbirds ranged from 0.11 ± 0.03 (Garganey, Anas querquedula) to 0.60 ± 0.15 (Ardea purpurea, Purple Heron). Significant differences in Hg concentrations between the six studied species were observed (ANOVA, p < 0.01); Purple Heron ≥ Common Teal Anas crecca ≥ Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata = Common Coot Fulica atra > Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus = Garganey. Significant differences in the mean Hg concentrations were found among these species as a function of the feeding method and the trophic level (p < 0.001). Mercury concentration in the feathers of waterbirds in the present study were below the thresholds reported to impair reproduction.