Accumulation of organochlorine contaminants in double-crested cormorants

Cormorant eggs and lipid samples from juvenile Cormorants were analyzed for 14 organochlorine contaminants. Low concentrations (geometric mean < 0.05 microg/g) of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), lindane, oxy-chlordane, heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin, endrin, mirex, DDD and DDT in eggs primarily reflected the wintering-ground origin of organochlorine contaminants. Overall geometric mean concentrations of DDE and PCBs in Cormorant eggs were 3.90 and 2.22 microg/g egg respectively, and would not affect reproduction or eggshell thickness. Eggshells averaged 0.44 mm in thickness and no correlation (r2 = 0.17) with log-transformed DDE residues in Cormorant eggs was evident. Only DDE and PCBs were detected in lipid samples from 5- to 8-week-old Cormorants (geometric mean approximately 1.0 microg/g lipid for each compound). The PCB: DDE ratios in Cormorant lipid from some individual colonies were 2-3.5 times greater than the ratio in eggs from the same colony, suggesting an accumulation of PCBs related to local diet. Juvenile Cormorants might serve as regional indicators of chemical residue contamination in Alberta, and provide a temporal perspective on changes in contaminant burdens in aquatic ecosystems.     

Mercury and organochlorine content of Dipper Cinclus cinclus eggs in south-west Ireland: trends during 1990-1999

A sample of 124 deserted/infertile dipper (Cinclus cinclus) eggs was collected in south-west Ireland during six seasons (1990-1994 and 1999) and analysed for mercury and organochlorines. Mercury was detected in three of the 6 years but no trend was observed. DDT occurred above the limit of detection in only two eggs, one each in 1993 and 1994. In contrast, two derivatives of DDT (DDE and TDE) were found much more commonly. DDE occurred in over 87% of eggs, while TDE contamination was less widespread and reached a maximum of 60% in 1993, with none detected in 1991 or 1999. There was no trend in occurrence of DDE or TDE across years. PCB contamination was present consistently over the 10-year period, with little change in the proportion of contaminated eggs collected over time. In all years, the lowest recorded occurrence of total PCBs was 69% expressed on a formulation basis as Arochlor 1254. PCB congeners 138, 153 and 180 dominated. The congener pattern was similar across years with the exception of 1990 when congener 118 dominated. A distinct trend of high values of contaminants was observed in 1990 and 1993. In 1990, PCB 118 was the dominant contaminant, while in 1993, HEOD, DDE, PCB 138 and PCB 153 were primary contributors to the observed result. Other contaminants (HCB, PCB 101, gamma-HCH, PCB 170 and PCB 180) showed little obvious patterns between years and occurred at relatively low levels. No pattern was observed in contaminants when eggs were grouped according to river or altitude. These data provide a baseline for organochlorine contamination levels in Irish freshwater ecosystems against which future trends can be assessed.     

Organochlorines and eggshell thinning in northern gannets (Sula bassanus) from Eastern Canada, 1968-1984

The northern gannets (Sula bassanus) nesting on Bonaventure Island, Quebec, were studied from 1968 to 1984 in order to measure environmental contaminant levels and their relationship to productivity. Fresh eggs in 1969 contained a mean DDE level of 18.5 mg kg(-1) and had shells which were 17% thinner than pre-1947 samples. Unhatched eggs in 1969 had no outer calcified layer, a mean thickness 20% less than the pre-1947 mean, and mean DDE concentration of 30.6 mg kg(-1). Significantly higher levels of eight contaminants were measured in unhatched than in fresh eggs collected in 1969. DDE and shell thinning were also intercorrelated with nine other contaminants; these data strongly implicate toxic chemicals, particularly DDE, as the main cause for the low breeding success of Bonaventure gannets from 1966 to 1974. Extensive use of DDT to control forest insects around the Gulf of St Lawrence ceased in 1969. Use of DDT, dieldrin and PCBs was restricted in North America during the early 1970s. Residues of DDT, DDD, DDE, PCBs, dieldrin, HCB and chlordane-related compounds in gannet eggs decreased significantly during this study. Heptachlor epoxide remained constant while alpha-HCH appeared to increase. Estimated half-lives ranged from 3.1 years for DDD to 35.4 years for oxychlordane. The breeding success and population of the colony have coincidentally increased.     

Seabird eggs as bioindicators of chemical contamination in Chile

Seabird eggs were used as bioindicators of chemical contamination in Chile. Brown-hooded Gull (Larus maculipennis), Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus), Trudeau's Tern (Sterna trudeaui), Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus), and Pink-footed Shearwater (Puffinus creatopus) eggs were sampled at different breeding sites during the 1990s. Mercury and organochlorines (PCBs, DDT, HCB, HCH, and PCP) were quantified to reveal the interspecific differences, spatial and temporal trends in contamination levels. Trudeau's Tern displayed the highest levels of mercury (486 ng g(-1) wet weight). The highest sumDDT concentrations were measured in Brown-hooded Gulls (726 ng g(-1)). PCB levels were similar among the species (102-236 ng g(-1)), but the composition of the PCB mixture was different in Pink-footed Shearwaters. With the exception of the Brown-hooded Gull, all species studied presented similar and low levels of organochlorines (sumOHa). Residues of PCB and related compounds were not detected in any of the seabird eggs analyzed in Chile. Geographical variation was low, although levels of industrial chemicals were slightly higher in eggs from Concepción Bay, and agricultural chemicals in eggs from Valdivia. Also interannual variation was low, but some evidence was found of decreasing levels in gull eggs throughout the time of the study. The causes of the low levels and small variability in space and time of environmental chemicals in Chilean seabirds are discussed. We propose the use of seabirds in future monitoring of the development of chemical contamination in Chile.     

Internal exposure to pollutants measured in blood and urine of Flemish adolescents in function of area of residence

The Centre for Environment and Health in Flanders, the Northern part of Belgium, started a biomonitoring program on adolescents in 2003. 1679 adolescents residing in nine areas with different patterns of pollution participated in the study. Possible confounding effects of lifestyle and personal characteristics were taken into account. The geometric mean levels of cadmium and lead in whole blood amounted to 0.36 and 21.7 microg l(-1), those of PCBs, DDE and HCB in serum to 68, 94 and 20.9 ng g(-1) fat, and those of 1-hydroxypyrene and t,t'-muconic acid in urine to 88 ng g(-1) creatinine and 72 microg g(-1) creatinine. Significant regional differences in internal lead, cadmium, PCBs, DDE and HCB exposure were observed in function of area of residence, even after adjustment for age, sex, smoking (and body mass index for the chlorinated compounds). Compared to a reference mean, internal exposure was significantly higher in one or more of the areas: Cd and Pb in the Antwerp agglomeration, Cd in the Antwerp harbour, PCBs in the Ghent agglomeration, PCBs, DDE and HCB in the Ghent harbour, Cd, PCBs, DDE and HCB in the rural area, DDE in Olen and in the Albert canal areas. Adolescents living in an area with intensive fruit cultivation (showing overall the lowest values) and, surprisingly, in areas around household waste incinerators (average of six areas), had no significantly increased internal exposures. Subjects from separate areas around waste incinerators showed significant differences in body load of various environmental contaminants.     

Chlorinated hydrocarbons in the tissues of South Polar Skuas (Catharacta maccormicki) and Adélie Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliea) from Ross Sea, Antarctica

High rates of egg infertility and embryo death in a colony of South Polar Skuas breeding in the Antarctic were similar to those in polluted North Atlantic populations of the Great Skua. Such loss could not be linked to factors such as organochlorine pollutants, as levels of DDE and PCBs in the contents of skua eggs from the population were only a small fraction of those in polluted skua populations from the Northern Hemisphere. Average eggshell thickness for skuas nesting on Ross Island has shown no significant change since the introduction of DDT. Concentrations of DDE and PCBs in South Polar Skuas were 13 and 22 times higher, respectively, than those in the eggs of sympatric Adélie Penguins, and this probably reflects the greater exposure of skuas to pollution when they migrate north of the Antarctic Convergence in winter. Residues in liver tissue showed a similar trend, and a higher rate of mixed function oxidase induction in skua liver compared to that of penguins is consistent with the trends seen in pollutant levels. The same PCB congener predominated in both skua and penguin samples. Comparisons with historical residue data suggest that global levels of DDT residues are declining.     

Levels and pattern of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in eggs of Antarctic seabirds: Endemic versus migratory species

Chinstrap and gentoo penguins are endemic species that live year round south of the Antarctic Convergence. South polar skua is a migratory seabird that can be observed in Antarctica during the breeding season (i.e., austral summer). This study compares concentration and pattern of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in eggs of seabirds breeding at King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula. PBDEs in south polar skua eggs are approximately 20 times higher than in penguin eggs suggesting that skuas are more exposed to contaminants during the non-breeding season when they migrate to waters of the northern hemisphere. The pattern of PBDE congeners also differs between south polar skua and penguin eggs. The latter exhibited a pattern similar to that found in the local biota. In contrast, the congener pattern in south polar skua eggs suggests that birds breeding at King George Island may winter in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.     

Patterns of contamination by organochlorines and mercury in the eggs of two river passerines in Britain and Ireland with reference to individual PCB congeners

Unhatched eggs were collected in 1988 and 1990 from nests of the Eurasian Dipper Cinclus cinclus and the Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea in Wales, eastern Scotland and south-western Ireland. Mercury concentrations in Dipper eggs (geometric means 0.45-0.91 ppm (microg g(-1)) dry mass) were significantly lower in eastern Scotland than in either south-western Ireland or Wales, where the incidence of detectable residues increased markedly between 1988 (2% of eggs) and 1990 (69%). By contrast, DDE (geometric means 0.63-3.54 ppm in lipid), TDE (<0.01-1.80 ppm), DDT (<0.01-0.65 ppm), total PCBs (3.99-10.47 ppm), HEOD (0.39-0.61 ppm) and HCB (0.02-0.13 ppm) were all significantly higher in Scottish eggs than others. Around 33-46% of the total PCB burden in Dipper and Grey Wagtail eggs could be accounted for by six congeners (IUPAC numbers 118, 180, 101, 153, 138 and 170). Amongst these attributable PCBs, Dipper eggs from eastern Scotland were dominated by congener 153 (2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl), whilst Welsh and Irish eggs were dominated by congener 118 (2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl). With the latter exception, all the individual congeners were found at significantly higher concentrations in Scottish eggs than others. Grey Wagtail eggs were dominated by congeners 118 and 101 (2,2,4,5,5'-pentachlorobiphenyl). In general, these congeners are common, widespread, and dominant components in the eggs of other wild birds for which data are available. Consistent with the low to medium levels of contaminants found in Dipper eggs, there was only slight evidence of any toxic effects. These included moderate shell thinning in relation to increasing DDE, and some evidence that contaminants had contributed to egg failure.     

Contamination by mercury and cadmium in the cetacean products from Japanese market

Cetaceans hunted coastally in Japan include several species of odontocete (dolphins, porpoises and beaked whales), and fresh and frozen red meat and blubber, as well as boiled internal organs, such as liver, lung, kidney and small intestine, are still sold for human consumption. Furthermore, red meat and blubber products originating from mysticete minke whales caught in the Antarctic and Northern Pacific are also sold for human consumption. We surveyed mercury and cadmium contamination levels in boiled liver, lung, kidney and red meat products being marketed in Japanese retail outlets. We also analyzed the DNA of these products to obtain information concerning gender and species. Total mercury (T-Hg) and methyl mercury (M-Hg) contamination levels in all the cetacean products were markedly higher in odontocete species than in mysticete species, and slightly higher in females than in males. T-Hg contamination in the organs was seen in the following order: boiled liver > boiled KIDNEY=boiled lung > red meat. In particular, T-Hg concentrations in the boiled liver were high enough to cause acute intoxication even from a single ingestion: the mean ±SD (range) of T-Hg was 388 ± 543 (0.12–1980) μg/wet g. In contrast, although M-Hg contamination in the liver was not markedly higher than that in other organs, M-Hg contamination was in the following order: boiled liver > odontocete red meat > boiled kidney > boiled lung. The contamination levels of T-Hg and M-Hg in odontocete red meat, the most popular whale product, were 8.94 ± 13.3 and 5.44 ± 5.72 μg/wet g, respectively. These averages exceeded the provisional permitted levels of T-Hg (0.4 μg/wet g) and M-Hg (0.3 μg/wet g) in marine foods set by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare by 22 and 18 times, respectively, suggesting the possibility of chronic intoxication by T-Hg and M-Hg with frequent consumption of odontocete red meat. Cadmium contamination levels in boiled liver, kidney and lung were 8.59 ± 12.0, 10.4 ± 8.6 and 1.66 ± 1.27 (μg/wet g), respectively.     

Some heavy metals, essential elements, and chlorinated hydrocarbons in polar bear (Ursus maritimus) at Svalbard

During the period 1978-1989, samples of liver, kidney and subcutaneous fat from 24 polar bears, Ursus maritimus, from Svalbard were analysed for mercury, cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, selenium, arsenic, HCB, DDE, PCBs (as Aroclor 1260 or Phenoclor DP6). In a selected number of liver (seven) and fat (three) samples, the composition of individual PCB congeners was studied by comparison with 23 individual PCB congeners (IUPAC nos 28, 52, 74, 101, 99, 110, 149, 118, 114, 105, 153, 141, 138, 187, 128, 183, 156, 157, 180, 170, 194, 206 and 209). In the seven liver samples, the concentrations of o,p'- and p,p'-isomers of DDT, TDE, DDE, alpha-, beta- and gamma-HCH, oxychlordane, heptachlor, heptachlorepoxide, aldrin and dieldrin were also determined. The hepatic concentrations of mercury, cadmium and lead in animals of all ages were 0.4-6.0, <0.1-1.2, and <0.5-1.6 microg g(-1), respectively. This indicates a moderate exposure. Concentrations of mercury and selenium were correlated (r=0.80). The levels of copper and zinc represented normal physiological concentrations. The concentrations of HCB, DDE and PCBs in fat were <0.05-1.5, <0.1-3.4 and 2.9-90 microg g(-1), respectively. The corresponding results for liver were <0.01-0.11, <0.1-0.5 and 0.1-78 microg g(-1), respectively. Six PCB congeners, PCB-99, -153, -138, -180, -170, and, -194 accounted for about 99 and 87% of the total PCB content (sum of the 12 congeners, nos. 28, 99, 153, 138, 128 + 187, 156, 157, 180, 170, 194, 206 and 209) in liver and fat, respectively. PCB-153 represented 37+/-3 30+/-16% of the sum PCB (sum of 12 congeners) in liver and fat, respectively. The range of the hepatic concentration of oxychlordane was 5-19 microg g(-1). Quantifiable concentrations of heptachlor, heptachlorepoxide, beta-HCH and dieldrin were also found in all the liver samples analysed. Low concentrations of p,p'- and o,p'-DDT were found in two of seven liver and two of two fat samples. Comparisons are made with investigations from Canada and Greenland. Possible effects of PCBs, especially on reproduction, cannot be excluded. Ringed seal, Foca hispida, and to some extent bearded seal, Erignathus barbatus, are the main food of the polar bear. It is therefore likely that the exposure to environmental pollutants occurs via the consumption of these two species.     

Organochlorine contaminants in cormorant, darter, egret, and ibis eggs from South Africa

During the last 15 years, no research has been published on the levels of pesticides in bird eggs from South Africa, despite the high levels found previously. We analysed eggs from African darter, cattle egret, reed cormorant, African sacred ibis, as well as single eggs from some other species, and found HCB, DDTs, HCHs, chlordanes and PCBs at detectable levels. The presence of mirex in all species was unexpected, since this compound was never registered in South Africa. It also seemed as if terrestrial feeding birds had higher DDE:PCB ratios when compared with aquatic feeding birds. Except for chlordane, the African darter eggs had the highest levels of all other compounds (mean 370 and 300 ng g(-1) ww Sigma pesticides and Sigma PCBs, respectively). Multivariate analysis clearly distinguished the aquatic and terrestrially feeding birds on pollution profile. The African darter (aquatic feeding) and the cattle egret (terrestrial feeding) would be good indicator candidates. Eggshell thinning was detected in the African darter, and was associated with most of the compounds, including DDE and PCBs. We raise a concern that generally longer living birds in warmer climates, laying fewer eggs per clutch, might be at increased risk when compared with trophically similar birds exposed to equivalent levels of pollution in colder climates. Given the scarcity of water and the high biodiversity in Southern Africa, climate change will exert strong pressure, and any additional anthropogenic contamination at levels that can cause subtle behavioural, developmental and reproductive changes, can have serious effects.     

Biocides in eggs of aquatic birds. Completion of a food chain enrichment study for DDT,PCB and HG

Eggs (N=224) of seven aquatic bird species of Lake Päijänne, Finland, were analyzed for their contents of HCB, DDE, PCB, mercury (TOTHG) and methyl mercury (METHG as per cent of TOTHG). METHG was 85.5 % which is the same as in fish. Also the levels of TOTHG were of the same order of magnitude in eggs and in fish of Päijänne, but the levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons were much higher in eggs. Differences between species were highly significant but the annual and regional differences were mostly insignificant. The chlorinated hydrocarbons correlated positively with each other and with fat contents but insignificantly with mercury contents. Calculation of total residue amounts in egg, juvenile and adult bird specimens exposed an enrichment of DDT to three, PCB to five and mercury to all seven species.     

Temporal trends of organochlorine contamination in Black Guillemots in Iceland from 1976 to 1996

The levels of several different persistent organochlorines (OCs) in Black Guillemots Cepphus grylle, collected during the summers of 1976-1996 at Breioafj?rour in W-Iceland, were investigated. The levels of about 40 different organochlorines (PCBs, DDTs, chlordanes, toxaphenes, HCH, HCB) were compared with respect to age, sex, fat content, and year of collection. The levels of PCBs correlated very closely with those of DDE, indicating long-range transport as the major source of these contaminants in Iceland, with the ratio PCBs/DDE mostly in the range of 2-5. Unlike the Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus, the organochlorine levels did not seem to accumulate substantially with age, neither in males nor females. The variation in the levels of OCs at the age of 2 years was even greater than the variation in OC levels over an age range of 12 years. In immature birds the levels of PCBs, DDE, HCB and beta-HCH declined very slowly (T(1/2) from 12 to 20 years) over the years 1976-1996, whereas the levels of alpha-HCH and p,p'-DDT declined much faster. The levels of trans-nonachlor, alpha-chlordane, gamma-chlordane, oxychlordane, and toxaphene did not correlate with the year of collection. As the Black Guillemot is mostly a resident seabird, feeding mainly on small fish and invertebrates, this investigation should give a good indication of the temporal trends of organochlorine pollution at Breioafj?rour, Iceland, during this 20 year period and is likely to reflect baseline trends in the marine environment of the North-Atlantic Ocean.     

Relationships between ecological variables and four organochlorine pollutants in an artic glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) population

The Arctic has become a sink for organochlorine contaminants (OCs) from lower latitudes, and relatively high levels have been found in different biota. Recent studies of the glaucous gull, Larus hyperboreus, a top predator in the arctic food web, have documented that high blood residues of various OCs are related to lower reproductive performance and reduced adult survival. Here we provide additional evidence that OCs are having ecological effects in the glaucous gull population at Bear Island in the Norwegian Arctic, and compare the effects of the four major OCs found in the glaucous gulls: HCB, oxychlordane, DDE and PCBs, which made up >95% of measured OCs. Firstly; it has previously been shown that gulls with high levels of PCBs in their blood spent more time away from the nest site during incubation than gulls with low levels. Here we reanalyzed the data and found that PCBs (P<0.02) and oxychlordane (P<0.05) were positive and significantly related to time away from the nest site, while DDE and HCB were not related to this trait. Secondly, among females which bred in an area where fish dominated the diet, and thus had high flight costs during feeding, early chick growth was negatively related to maternal levels of all four OCs, especially HCB and DDE (P<0.01). On the contrary, among females breeding in an area where the diet was dominated by eggs and young from nearby seabird colonies, and thus feeding costs were low, there were no effects of OC levels on early chick growth. This indicates that additional stress may be fundamental in causing reproductive effects of OCs in this population. Finally, during three breeding seasons we examined the probability of adults returning to the breeding grounds in the subsequent season, as a function of blood concentration of the four OCs. Overall, return rate from one year to the next was negatively related to blood residues of oxychlordane (P=0.02), but not significantly related to the other three compounds. Further support for the importance of oxychlordane was that a 60% drop in the blood levels between 1997 and 2000 led to a significant increase in return rate between these two years.     

Occurrence of pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in water of the Nile river at the estuaries of Rosetta and Damiatta branches,north of delta,Egypt

Abstract

A study was conducted from summer 1995 to summer 1997 to assess the seasonal occurrence of pesticide residues and other organic contaminants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in water at the estuaries of Rosetta and Damiatta branches of the Nile river. The results indicated that organochlorine compounds (OCs) including HCB, lindane, p,p‘‐DDE, p,p‘DDD, p,p‘‐DDT, aroclor 1254 and aroclor 1260 were present in all the water samples at concentration levels ranging between 0.195–0.240, 0.286–0.352, 0.035–0.067, 0.019–0.033, 0.024–0.031, 0.390–0.70 and 0.166–0.330 μg/l, respectively. The levels of these compounds were higher in water of Damiatta branch than those found in water of Rosetta branch. Aldrin, dieldrin and endrin were not detected in all water samples. Only 4 compounds from 36 organophosphorus insecticides, fungicides and s‐triazine herbicides tested were detected in water samples collected during summer and autumn seasons from Rosetta branch. The concentration levels of these detected compounds, dimethoate, malathion, captan, and ametryne, ranged from 0.011 to 0.340 μg/l, respectively. Similar compounds during the same seasons as found in water of Rosetta branch were also detected in water of Damiatta branch except ametryne. The levels of the detected compounds (dimethoate, malathion and captan) ranged between 0.030 and 0.330 μg/l. The levels of detected organophosphorus insecticides, fungicides and s‐triazine herbicides were in the order: dimethoate > malathion > captan > ametryne.     

Recent levels of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in sediments of the sewer system in Hanoi, Vietnam

The occurrence, temporal trend, sources and toxicity of PCBs and organochlorine pesticides were investigated in sediment samples from the sewer system of Hanoi City, including the rivers Nhue, To Lich, Lu, Set, Kim Nguu and the Yen So Lake. In general, the concentrations of the pollutants followed the order DDTs > PCBs > HCHs (β-HCH) > HCB. However, the pollution pattern was different for the DDTs and PCBs when the sampling locations were individually evaluated. The concentrations of the DDTs, PCBs, HCHs, and HCB ranged from 4.4 to 1100, 1.3 to 384, <0.2 to 36 and <0.2 to 22 ng/g d.w., respectively. These levels are higher than at any other location in Vietnam. Compared to measurements from 1997, the DDTs, PCBs, β-HCH and HCB levels show an increasing trend with DDT/DDE ratios, indicating very recent inputs into the environment although these persistent compounds are banned in Vietnam since 1995.     

Fish from industrially polluted freshwater as the main source of organochlorinated pollutants and increased frequency of thyroid disorders and dysglycemia

In a certain area of Michalovce district in East Slovakia, heavy industrial pollution by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) developed in 1955-1984 and very high PCB levels in environmental and human samples are still persisting. Recently, a total of 2045 adults from this and the surrounding background pollution area have been examined using questionnaire data, thyroid volume by ultrasound (ThV), urinary iodine and serum levels of 15 PCB congeners, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), 2,2'-2-bis(4-chlorobiphenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (DDE), 2,2'-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT), alpha-, beta- and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOab) and fasting glucose. As based on our previous findings of strikingly high level of PCBs in fish from high pollution area (e.g. mean level of 375430 ng/g lipid) and considerably lower, but still relatively high level in background pollution area (e.g. mean PCB level of 5150 ng/g), the information on the frequency of fish meals and approximate annual consumption of fish from local waters was obtained by questionnaires. The association of contaminated fish consumption with very high blood levels of PCBs, DDE and HCB and increased ThV as well as with increased frequency of positive TPOab, high values of FT4 and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was found. These associations were also confirmed in 16 marital pairs from high pollution area with very high PCB level in both members associated with high fish consumption. It was concluded that, due to persistent heavy pollution of waters, soil and food chain namely by PCBs, but also by pesticides (e.g. DDE and HCB) resulting from their previous extensive use in agriculture, the fish from local waters still remains the most important source of these toxic pollutants which results in considerable adverse health effects.     

Vorkommen chlorierter Kohlenwasserstoffe in ausgewählten Umweltproben Nordgriechenlands (Xanthi)

Residues of persistent chlorinated hydrocarbons HCB, BHC isomers, Heptachlor and -epoxide, DDE, Aldrin, Dieldrin and PCBshave been analysed in selected environmental samples soil, grass roots, pine-needles, hen's eggs and sheep's milk from Northern Greece (Xanthi). Almost all samples have shown residues in a range of 0,1 – 10 ppb except eggs and milk, which have been partially contaminated with HCB (approx. 20 ppb), DDE (approx. 40 ppb) and Dieldrin (approx. 30 – 40 ppb) related to freshweight. The contamination levels have been in the same order of magnitude as in environmental samples from Germany except PCBs, which have been accumulated in German samples tendencially higher. All residues detected have been significantly lower than the limits allowed in food stuffs.     

Evaluation of Organochlorine Compounds (PCDDs,PCDFs, PCBs and DDTs) in Two Raptor Species Inhabiting a Mediterranean Island in Spain (8 pp)

Background Species that are at high levels of the food web have often been used as bioindicators to evaluate the presence of persistent contaminants in ecosystems. Most of these species are long-lived, so pollutant burdens may be integrated in some complex way over time. This makes them particularly sensitive to deleterious effects of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Birds have been suggested as useful organisms for monitoring pollutant levels. Traditionally such studies have been carried out with raptors such as osprey (Pandion haliaetus), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), bald eagle (Haliaetus leucocephalus), etc. In this paper we present the results of a monitoring study conducted on two raptor species, osprey (Pandion haliaetus) and red kite (Milvus milvus), inhabiting a Mediterranean island (Menorca, Spain). These two species have different feeding habits; ospreys prey on fish and red kites feed on terrestrial species. This study constitutes a good opportunity to investigate if differences in feeding habits (aquatic vs. terrestrial) influences the contaminants pattern in two species inhabiting the same area. Methods The study was conducted in a non-destructive way, using only failed eggs, to avoid the damage of the population stability. Eggs were collected during the period 1994–2000. The contaminants examined were dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs, including DDT and its main metabolite, DDE), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), including ortho PCBs (PCBs with at least one Chlorine atom in the ortho position): #28, 52, 95, 101, 123+149, 118, 114, 153, 132+105, 138, 167, 156, 157, 180, 170, 189, 194; and non ortho PCBs (PCBs with no Chlorine atom in the ortho position): #77, 126, 169 and all the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) with Chlorine atoms at the 2,3,7 and 8 position (2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs and PCDFs). The analysis of organochlorine compounds was performed using a sample treatment based on a Solid Phase Matrix Dispersion procedure. Ortho PCBs and DDTs were determined by HRGC-μECD; non ortho PCBs and PCDD/Fs were determined by HRGC-HRMS. Results and Discussion The sum of the ortho PCB congeners analysed ranged from 0.94 to 15.03 μg/g wet weight (ww) for ospreys and from 1.0 to 11.2 μg/g ww for red kites. In both species, PCB congeners #153, #138 and #180 accounted about 75% to total ortho PCB concentrations. Regarding non ortho PCBs, for ospreys, concentrations ranged from 0.16 to 1.39 ng/g wet weight (ww) and for red kites from 0.12 to 0.51 ng/g ww, being congener #126 the most abundant. Concerning DDTs, concentration for ospreys ranged from 0.07 to 1.03 μg/g ww; and for red kites ranged from 0.90 to 2.10 μg/g ww, representing DDE more than 95% of the total DDTs, which proves a past use of DDT in the study area. Differences in contaminant levels between species are probably associated to feeding habits. The fish-eating species presents the highest PCB levels, whereas the terrestrial species exhibits the highest DDT levels. PCDD/Fs in ospreys were in the range 2.6–14.2 pg/g ww, while in red kites the range was slightly wider (22.2–43.2 pg/g ww), being PCDDs the major contributors in black kites. Ospreys had PCDDs similar to PCDF concentrations. PCDD/F profiles were mostly influenced by OCDD in both species. Non ortho PCBs were the major contributors to calculated Toxic Equivalent Quantity (TEQs) in both species. Conclusion In both species studied, ortho-PCBs could represent a problem of concern since 57% of the eggs exhibited levels higher than 4 μg/g ww, reported as the level that could cause reduced hatchability, embryo mortality, and deformities in birds. Recommendations and Outlook Results found in this study suggest that a more detailed study to clear up possible deleterious effects of PCBs on the bird populations studied here should be done. Section Editor: Prof. Dr. Paola Gramatica (paola.gramatica@uninsubria.it)     

Organochlorine contaminants in eggs of seabirds in the Northwest Atlantic, 1968-1984

Eggs of three seabird species, double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus). Leach's storm-petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa), and Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) were collected at four-year intervals from 1968 to 1984, from colonies in eastern Canada and analyzed for organochlorines. This monitoring study was established to provide data on contamination of the marine environment and possible implications for seabird health. Long-term trend data are presented for PCBs, DDE, dieldrin, HCB, oxychlordane, heptachlor epoxide, HCH and mirex. DDE and PCBs declined significantly in all species from the Bay of Fundy. DDE declined significantly in puffins and petrels while PCBs declined only in petrels from the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland. Generally DDE declined more than PCBs. Dieldrin, oxychlordane, HCH and mirex levels decreased at some locations but were stable at others. Hexachlorobenzene and heptachlor epoxide levels remained steady or increased significantly, depending on the species and location. Organochlorine levels in cormorants from the St. Lawrence River estuary showed no significant trends.