Passerine Exposure to Metal Contaminants from Oilsands Mining in the Athabasca Region of Northeastern Alberta, Canada

I characterized passerine exposure to metals from waste-materials associated with oilsands mining. I measured metal concentrations in whole blood of tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), Tennessee warblers (Oreothlypis peregrina), and chipping sparrows (Spizella passerina). Additionally, I measured metal concentrations in kidney, liver, and stomach contents of nestling tree swallows, and monitored tree swallow nest success and nestling growth. I identified insects fed to nestlings to understand the influence of diet on metal accumulation in tissues, and collected insects to assess metal levels in available prey. I found high variability in metal concentrations in blood correlated with small blood sample volume, and suggest that blood may not be suitable for monitoring metal contamination in small birds. I found no evidence that metals were elevated in tissues of passerines near oilsands operations. Nest success and nestling growth were influenced by local environmental conditions and not affected by proximity to mining operations.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biological Sciences

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Graduate Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Godwin, Christine

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Barclay, Robert
• Smits, Judit

• Toxicology

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/27264

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:11023/2053