Wildlife Criterion Value for the Common Loon ( Gavia immer) in the Adirondack Park, New York, USA.

The article discusses the wildlife criterion values for common loons in Adirondack Park, New York based on a study to determine mercury concentrations in Adirondack lakes, and in blood, feather and egg samples of loons. Study results show that the values obtained were small enough to affect behavior and reproductive activity of loons, thus providing an estimate of reasonable mercury thresholds in lakes. The results will also assist environmental legislators to better protect aquatic ecosystems.