Element patterns in albatrosses and petrels: influence of trophic position, foraging range, and prey type

Anderson, O.R.J.; Phillips, R.A..; Shore, R.F.; McGill, R.A.R.; McDonald, R.A.; Bearhop, S.. 2010 Element patterns in albatrosses and petrels: influence of trophic position, foraging range, and prey type. Environmental Pollution, 158 (1). 98-107. 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.07.040

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Abstract/Summary

We investigated the concentrations of 22 essential and non-essential elements among a community of Procellariiformes (and their prey) to identify the extent to which trophic position and foraging range governed element accumulation. Stable isotope analysis (SIA) was used to characterise trophic (δ15N) and spatial patterns (δ13C) among species. Few consistent patterns were observed in element distributions among species and diet appeared to be highly influential in some instances. Arsenic levels in seabird red blood cells correlated with δ15N and δ13C, demonstrating the importance of trophic position and foraging range for arsenic distribution. Arsenic concentrations in prey varied significantly across taxa, and in the strength of association with δ15N values (trophic level). In most instances, element patterns in Procellariiformes showed the clearest separation among species, indicating that a combination of prey selection and other complex species-specific characteristics (e.g. moult patterns) were generally more important determining factors than trophic level per se.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1016/j.envpol.2009.07.040
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biogeochemistry > BGC Topic 1 - Monitoring and Interpretation of Biogeochemical and Climate Changes > BGC - 1.1 - Monitor concentrations, fluxes, physico-chemical forms of current and emerging pollutants ... BAS Programmes > Polar Science for Planet Earth (2009 - ) > Ecosystems
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Shore
ISSN:	0269-7491
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	The definitive version of this article is available at www.elsevier.com
Additional Keywords:	Elements, Procellariiformes, Trophic Position, Diet, South Georgia
NORA Subject Terms:	Zoology Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	09 Dec 2009 14:05 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/7849

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