The river runs through it: The Athabasca River delivers mercury to aquatic birds breeding far downstream

Aquatic bird eggs collected in the Peace-Athabasca Delta and Lake Athabasca exhibit higher mercury (Hg) concentrations following years of high river flow, with Hg availability regulated by riverine processes involving suspended sediment. The study identified that Athabasca River flow, bird food source, and species were key factors influencing egg Hg levels over 2009-2017. Stable Hg isotope analysis revealed differences in Hg composition between high and low flow years, suggesting that increased river discharge enhances Hg transport to downstream ecosystems like Wood Buffalo National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This research underscores the Athabasca River's role as a conduit for Hg, with implications for ecological health in sensitive areas.

Hebert, C. E. (2019). The river runs through it: The Athabasca River delivers mercury to aquatic birds breeding far downstream. Plos One, 14(4), e0206192. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206192