Lead-contaminated sediments in the Coeur d'Alene River in Idaho have been suspected as a cause of mortality among various species of waterfowl using the area. Consumption of the sediments along with food is believed to be the primary route of exposure to lead. Laboratory studies were conducted to investigate the toxicity of these sediments to waterfowl. Selenium toxicity to waterfowl.
Selenium is a common toxic element in many parts of the western United States.
This dietary level was well below levels existing in some contaminated areas in the field. Tissue concentrations of selenium associated with adult mortality and reproductive impairment also were determined in controlled studies. The rates of accumulation and loss of selenium in ducks and the toxicities of various chemical forms of selenium were determined. Interpretation of contaminant concentrations in wildlife tissues. Interpreting the significance of contaminant residues in the tissues of wildlife is a very important part of the applied side of wildlife toxicology.