Interspecies sensitivity of arctic marine birds to methylmercury exposure

To determine the relative sensitivities to methylmercury (MeHg) exposure for arctic marine bird species based on the most sensitive life stage, embryonic development; Based on the MeHg sensitivity, predict when environmental Hg exposure levels may reach critical thresholds for reproductive impairment in the species tested; To determine the effects of MeHg exposure on the neuro-signaling pathways of the developing avian brain using changes in neurochemical parameters (e.g. neuroreceptor concentrations) as a biomarker of Hg exposure; and relate neurochemical changes to decreased hatchability following MeHg exposure in ovo.