Selenium dynamics in Canadian Rocky Mountain lakes

Selenium (Se) concentrations in lakes within Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country, Alberta, exceed toxic thresholds for birds and fish, posing risks to wildlife and human consumers. Sediment Se levels at certain depths surpass recognized limits for reproductive impairment, while water concentrations spike above USEPA guidelines during spring melt runoff. Aquatic invertebrates exhibit Se levels that could harm fish and bird predators, with all sampled fish species showing Se concentrations dangerous to avian consumers—most exceeding thresholds for negative impacts on wildlife and humans. Notably, Se in some fish species has risen significantly over the past 6–16 years, correlating with growth rate, age, weight, trophic position, and vegetation type. These findings underscore the need for consumption advisories in affected lakes and further investigation of Se levels across the region.

Fortin, B. L. (2010). Selenium dynamics in Canadian Rocky Mountain lakes [University of Alberta Library]. https://doi.org/10.7939/R3S424