Long-range air pollution and its impact on heavy metal accumulation in dippers Cinclus cinclus in Norway

Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and zinc are deposited in Norway as long-range transported air pollution, while copper deposition is of mainly local origin. This study examined whether the deposition influences the metal concentrations in dippers Cinclus cinclus. The lead concentration in dippers reflected the deposition pattern of long-range air pollution, with higher concentrations in Southern Norway than Central Norway and a significant decrease (≥40%) between 1987 and 1994. For cadmium, copper and zinc there were no geographical or temporal variations in metal concentrations. For zinc, this lack of geographic and temporal variation probably reflects the fact that it is a homeostatically regulated metal. For both cadmium and copper, local sources are probably more important than long-range sources. Zinc and copper was at higher level in livers of females than in males during the egg laying period. The concentrations of zinc and copper in livers were positively correlated.