Louise Champoux

Ecotoxicologist - Evaluate the effects of toxic substances on the health of wildlife and ecosystems.

801-1550 avenue d'Estimauville (Québec, QC)

CURRENT S&T / RESEARCH - Study the presence and effects of toxic substances on the great blue heron and other wildlife species in the St. Lawrence River

• Studying the effects of persistent contaminants on wildlife reproduction, survival and health
• Monitoring of spatial and temporal trends with respect to contaminants in wildlife
• Use of wildlife as indicators of concentrations and the effects of contaminants in ecosystems
• Studying the interactive effects of acid precipitation and mercury on aquatic ecosystems and the common loon
• Use of physiological biomarkers (hormones, vitamins) and ecological tracers (stable isotopes) to document the impact of toxic substances and other stressors on the health of wildlife

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES / INTERESTS

Conduct and supervise ecotoxicological studies in the field that focus on the presence and effects of toxic substances on wildlife

Collaborate with government and university partners and participate in national and international research groups on the presence and effects of toxic substances on wildlife

Review drafts of scientific articles for scientific journals, in the area of wildlife toxicology

Helping to organize scientific conferences

KEY PUBLICATIONS

Champoux, L., J. Moisey and D.C.G. Muir. 2010. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, toxaphenes and other halogenated organic pollutants im Great Blue Heron eggs. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 29 (2): 243-249.

Champoux, L., S. Trudeau, G. Fitzgerald, P.A. Spear and D.C.G. Muir. 2009. Contamination of and biomarkers in the Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias, indicator species for the St. Lawrence River, 2001-2002. Technical Report Series number 501, Quebec Region 2009, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Sainte-Foy, viii + 65 pages.

Scheuhammer, A.M., N. Basu, N.M. Burgess, J.E. Elliott, G.D. Campbell, M. Wayland, L. Champoux and J. Rodrigue. 2008. Relationships among mercury, selenium, and neurochemical parameters in common loons (Gavia immer) and bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Ecotoxicology 17 (2) : 93-101.

Champoux, L., D.C. Masse, D. Evers, O.P. Lane, M. Plante and S.T.A. Timmermans. 2006. Assessment of mercury exposure and potential effects in Common Loons (Gavia immer) in Quebec. Hydrobiologia 567: 263-274.

Champoux, L., J. Rodrigue, S. Trudeau, M. Boily, P.A. Spear and A. Hontela. 2006. Contamination and biomarkers in the Great Blue Heron, an indicator of the state of the St.Lawrence River. Ecotoxicology 15 : 83-96.

Evers, D.C., N. Burgess, L. Champoux, B. Hoskins, A. Major, W. Goodale, R.J. Taylor, R. Poppenga and T. Daigle. 2005. Patterns and interpretation of mercury exposure in freshwater avian communities in north-eastern North America. Ecotoxicology 14: 193-221.