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R. L. Hothem

Publications and source records attributed to R. L. Hothem.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
USGS1989

Contaminants in foods of aquatic birds at Kesterson Reservoir, California, 1985

Plants, aquatic insects, and mosquitofish ( Gambusia affinis ) were collected from Kesterson Reservoir, Merced County, California, and a nearby reference site (Volta Wildlife Area) to compare concentrations of three contaminants found in 1985 with those reported in 1983 and 1984. Mean selenium concentrations in food-chain organisms from sites at Kesterson in 1985 ranged from 26.0 μg/g (dry wt) in water boatman (Corixidae) to 119 μg/g in mosquitofish. All mean selenium concentrations at Kesterson were significantly higher than those from Volta and were sufficient to have caused the impaired avian reproduction observed at Kesterson. Boron concentrations were also significantly higher at Kesterson, and, at one pond, the mean concentration in widgeongrass ( Ruppia mari-tima ) (1,630 μg/g) was high enough to impair avian reproduction. There were no differences in arsenic concentrations between locations, and concentrations in all food-chain organisms (<1.9 μg/g) were lower than those reported to cause adverse effects in wildlife. Within-location differences were observed for all three contaminants at Kesterson and for selenium at Volta, but there was no consistent pattern to these differences. Between-year comparisons showed that selenium concentrations in mosquitofish generally decreased at Kesterson, but remained about the same at Volta over the 3 years. Selenium concentrations in insects from 1985 were lower at Kesterson than 1983, but were similar to 1984. Concentrations in plants were generally higher in 1983 and lower in 1984 compared with 1985. Boron concentrations in plants were generally higher in 1985, but in mosquitofish and insects, boron concentrations remained about the same all 3 years. Most arsenic concentrations did not change significantly between years.

California↗
USGS1989

Recruitment failure in American avocets and black-necked stilts nesting at Kesterson Reservoir, California, 1984-1985

There was a high incidence of embryo mortality and deformities in black-necked stilts nesting at Kesterson Reservoir during both years of this study and in American avocets during 1985. The concentrations of selenium in eggs at Kesterson Reservoir were sufficiently elevated to have caused the reproductive problems observed. Selenium appears to be the primary cause of the recruitment failure of stilts and avocets at Kesterson Resevoir in 1984 and 1985.

Condor↗
USGS1988

Bioaccumulation of selenium by snakes and frogs in the San Joaquin Valley, California

Livers of gopher snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) from Kesterson Reservoir (Merced County, California) contained significantly higher mean selenium concentrations (11.1 .mu.g/g, dry weight) than those from two nearby reference sites (2.05 and 2.14 .mu.g/g). Livers of bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) collected from the San Luis Drain at Kersterson Reservoir also contained significantly higher mean selenium concentrations (45.0 .mu.g/g) than those from nearby reference sites (6.22 .mu.g/g). The high levels of selenium bioaccumulation in these snakes and frogs at Kersterson Reservoir reflected the elevated levels found in their food organisms. We did not examine that snakes or frogs from Kesterson for signs of ill health, but the concentrations we found were sufficiently high to warrant concern about potential adverse effects in these animals and their predators.

Copeia↗
USGS1987

Selenium contamination of the Grasslands, a major California waterfowl area

In a recent study at Kesterson Reservoir in California, selenium was shown to cause mortality and deformities in embryos of aquatic birds. The present study was conducted to determine if selenium or other contaminants in agricultural drainwater used for marsh management were likely to cause similar adverse effects in the nearby Grasslands area. Selenium concentrations were elevated (greater than 15 ppm, dry-weight) in livers of some birds of all species collected from the Grasslands. Mean selenium concentrations in all species sampled in the South Grasslands were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) than those from the 'control site', the Volta Wildlife Area. Mean selenium levels in black-necked stilts (Himantopus mexicanus) from the South Grasslands (35.6 ppm) were similar (P greater than 0.05) to levels in stilts from Kesterson (46.4 ppm), but means for American avocets (Recurvirostra americana) from the South Grasslands (67.3 ppm) were higher (P less than 0.05) than those from Kesterson (28.4 ppm). Bird eggs and fish from the Grasslands also contained elevated levels of selenium. Concentrations of eight heavy metals in fish generally reflected those patterns previously found in water entering the study areas. Of the organochlorines detected in fish, only DDE occurred at concentrations potentially harmful to birds (6.1 and 3.0 ppm, wet weight, at two South Grassland sites). The effect on avian health or reproduction of the other contaminants, singly or in combination, could not be determined. However, selenium levels were apparently sufficiently elevated in 1984 to have caused adverse effects on avian reproduction in the South Grasslands.

California↗
USGS1981

Estimating bird damage from damage incidence in wine grape vineyards

Bird damage was measured during 1977 and 1978 at 32 wine grape vineyards in the San Joaquin Valley and North Coastal Region of California. Both the percentage bird loss (PBL) and the percentage of bunches damaged (BDI = bird damage incidence) were determined during 55 total-damage assessments, and the resulting data pairs were used to develop a regression of PBL on BDI. The final prediction equation was loge (PBL + 1) = 0.0385 BDI, for which the SE = 9.6297 10-4, and it accounted for 97% of the observed variation. We conclude that by using that equation, reasonably accurate predictions of PBL can be obtained from relatively quick and inexpensive estimates of BDI. Guidelines for the use of the prediction method and the accuracy of some PBL predictions are discussed.

American Journal of Enology and Viticulture↗
USGS1981

Mesurol as a bird repellent on wine grapes in Oregon and California

Field tests were conducted in California and Oregon from July to October 1978 to evaluate the effectiveness of Mesurol as a repellent to reduce bird damage to ripening wine grapes. A block of vines composed of two similar, adjacent plots was delineated at each of 20 vineyards. One randomly chosen plot within each block was treated with up to three applications of Mesurol (75% wettable powder) at a mean rate of 3.1 kg/ha. Damage assessments at harvest showed that the treatment significantly reduced bird damage in both states, but the actual level of bird damage protection provided by the treatment could not be calculated. Based on bird censuses, the primary grape-depredating species in Oregon vineyards was the American robin ( Turdus migratorius ), whereas house finches ( Carpodacus mexicanus ), California quail ( Lophortyx californicus ), goldfinches ( Spinus spp.), and robins were the primary species in California.

American Journal of Enology and Viticulture↗