ASSESSING MERCURY POLLUTION USING BLACK STORK EGGSHELLS

Female birds whose bodies contain environmental contaminants produce eggs with shells that are likewise contaminated, making bird eggshells appropriate indicators for monitoring toxins. Common include organic mercury compounds, especially methylmercury, which known to bioaccumulate and biomagnify in the food chain. Black storks (Ciconia nigra) predominantly consume fish thus at risk high intake. In this study, we used of black as a proxy reconstruct concentration levels distribution mercury, well-known toxic element, various parts Latvia. Preliminary analyses have shown deposition vary different eggshell. Specifically, shell membrane differ their level contamination by an average factor nine; therefore, measured content these components separately whenever possible. We analysed 34 eggshell samples from nesting sites Latvia using atomic absorption spectrometer Zeeman correction Lumex RA-915M its attachment pyrolytic combustion. found concentrations varied 5 22 ng/g 42 293 membranes. discuss possible sources reasons behind disparity.