Lead poisoning is the leading cause of death in loons, yet few studies have examined the effects of low chronic lead exposure in live birds. Current methods of lead analysis use invasive techniques which require cadaver dissection and sample destruction. This project seeks to determine whether portable XRF spectrometry can accurately measure lead levels in loon bone samples that contain flesh. The data in this MQP validates previous studies and demonstrates that the portable XRF device can be used to measure chronic lead exposure in loons, even when tissue is present for in vivo measurements. This technique could be used in future studies to monitor chronic lead exposures in live birds, allowing environmental remediation prior to animal death.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Kirchner, Kimberley Elizabeth

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042418-122204

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2018

Date created

• 2018-04-24

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright