Heavy metal pollution in Japanese seabirds

[Abstract] It is reported that seabirds accumulate high levels of metals, prompting concerns regarding poisoning. The present study investigated the accumulation patterns of metals in tissues among four species of seabirds (Fratercula corniculata, Uria lomvia, Puffinus tenuirostris, and Fulmarus glacialis). Furthermore, we focused on Slaty-backed Gulls, which accumulated high levels of cadmium and mercury, and compared the areal differences. Geographic variation of metal levels could also contribute to differences in metal accumulation levels in these bird species. Therefore, the concentrations of metals in seabirds are considered to reflect their habitat. There are differences in the accumulation pattern among the seabird species. The high accumulation of metals could affect seabirds even if they do not show any symptoms.