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Wildlife Toxicology

Study site locations: Wyoming - Contaminant exposure along the North Platte River

Although exposed to some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the lack of methylated PAHs in carcasses, as well as in diet, suggested that the source of these compounds on the North Platte River was from combustion and not from petroleum.  The low (<0.25) ratios  of pristane:n-C17 and phytane:n-C18 confirm this lack of exposure to petroleum.

Custer, T. W., C. M. Custer, K. M. Dickerson, K. Allen, M. J. Melancon, and L. J. Schmidt. 2001.  Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, trace elements and monooxygenase activity in birds nesting on the North Platte River, Casper, WY. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 20:624-631. 

Page Last Modified: April 3, 2018