Copper is an essential element that is metabolically regulated in the tissue of seabirds.
The levels of Copper in muscles do not differ much and are generally low (from 15 to 25 mg/kg dry weight). Copper might be higher in liver (not shown in maps) of scavenger birds and in common- and king eiders. The eider mainly feeds on mussels, snails and crustaceans which have hemocyanin (contains Copper) as their blood pigment. Therefore they may have relatively high levels of Copper in the liver.
No regional difference was found in Copper levels.
Table: Levels Copper (Cu) in seabird muscles
| Species | Species | Species | |
|---|---|---|---|
Levels in Black guillemot |
Levels in Brünnichs guillemot |
Levels in Common eider |
|
Levels in Common guillemot |
Levels in Northern fulmar |
Levels in Glaucous gull |
|
Levels in Herring gull |
Levels in King eider |
Levels in Black-legged kittiwake |
|
Levels in Little auk |
Levels in Atlantic puffin |