Hacker, C.S.Cheney, M.A.Schroder, G.D.Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety2010-02-152010-02-151981http://hdl.handle.net/1969.3/19125p. 211-224.Lead and cadmium concentrations in the tissues and stomach contents of several age classes of Louisiana herons (Hydranassa tricolor) and cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) from the Galveston Bay region of Texas were measured, and levels of exposure and the rates of accumulation by these species were compared. Statistical analyses showed no differences in the rates and patterns of accumulation of these metals between these species; however, tissue and age class were both significant variables. Lead concentrations were highest in the bone of adult birds, while cadmium was highest in the adult kidney. Although these birds feed in different habitats, analyses of metal content in their food items showed similar rates of exposure. We note an important distinction between biomagnification and ontogenetic accumulation in studies which seek toi estimate the importance of trophic position on risk of exposure to heavy metals.aquatic birdsLouisiana heronHydranassa tricolorcattle egretBubulcus ibisbioaccumulationchemical pollutionleadcadmiummetalsstomach contenttissuesArticle