Latitudinal, sex and inter-specific differences in mercury and other trace metal concentrations in Adélie and Emperor penguins in the Ross Sea, Antarctica

We sought to determine mercury (Hg) and other trace metal concentrations in Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) breast feathers from the Ross Sea, Antarctica, and relate those concentrations to the trophic position and the habitats in which each of these species forage. Adélie penguin feathers from the southern Ross Sea colonies were higher in Hg than those sampled further north in the Ross Sea, potentially due to greater exposure to local sources, such as volcanism. Female Adélie penguins had lower feather total Hg concentrations than males. This may reflect female penguin's capacity to eliminate Hg through the egg development and laying process, or the larger and/or older prey items that male birds can consume, reflected by their higher trophic position. Emperor penguins have higher Hg concentrations than Adélie penguins which is also partially explained by Adélie penguins feeding at lower trophic levels than emperor penguins. •Hg in Adélie and emperor penguins from the Ross Sea lower than other penguin species•Female Adélie penguins from Cape Bird had lower Hg concentrations than males.•Hg was greater in Adélie penguins breeding at higher latitudes•Hg was higher in emperor penguin than Adélie penguins.•Cd, Cu and Zn were higher in Adélie penguins compared with emperor penguins.•δ15N in emperor penguins was higher than that for Adélie penguins.