USGS scientists test osprey chicks’ blood to test effects of toxic chemicals
![Image: USGS scientists test osprey chicks’ blood to test effects of toxic chemicals](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/RLazarus_at_osprey_nest_2.jpg?itok=PztPzrvn)
Detailed Description
USGS researcher Rebecca Lazarus prepares to take a blood sample from an osprey fledgling in a nest on the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, Delaware Bay in 2015. Lazarus and colleagues did similar sampling of 48 chicks on Chesapeake Bay in 2011-2013. All the Chesapeake Bay nestlings’ blood plasma had traces of a human medication to fight hypertension, diltiazem, and biomarkers of low-grade genetic damage, with no discernible effects on the ospreys’ reproductive success.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.