Food-Chain Transfer of Trace Elements to Wildlife

by Harry M. Ohlendorf, CH2M HILL, Sacramento, United States,
Joseph P. Skorupa, CH2M HILL, Sacramento, United States,
Michael K. Saiki, CH2M HILL, Sacramento, United States,
Douglas A. Barnum, CH2M HILL, Sacramento, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Management of Irrigation and Drainage Systems: Integrated Perspectives

Abstract:

Trace elements in agricultural subsurface drainage water may bioaccumulate in wildlife through their feeding on organisms living in evaporation ponds or other habitats that receive the drainage water. Selenium is the element of greatest concern, but arsenic, boron, and molybdenum also are discussed briefly in this paper because of their potential for causing effects. Studies of bioaccumulation or effects have been conducted on amphibians, reptiles, birds, and animals, but adverse effects of selenium on avian reproduction have been the most pronounced observed impact of the transfer of trace elements to wildlife associated with agricultural drainage.

Subject Headings: Trace elements | Wildlife | Subsurface drainage | Selenium | Drainage basins | Drainage | Water pollution | California | United States

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