Effects of laying order and experimentally increased egg production on organic pollutants in eggs of a terrestrial songbird species, the great tit (Parus major)

In this study, concentrations and profiles of organic pollutants were investigated in a passerine species with a large clutch size, the great tit (Parus major). In the first clutches, mean egg concentrations decreased significantly in relation to the laying order from 3025 ± 416 ng/g lw to 2267 ± 386 ng/g lw for sum PCBs and from 989 ± 339 ng/g lw to 695 ± 320 ng/g lw for sum DDTs. Sum PBDE concentrations also decreased in relation to the laying order from 68 ± 10 ng/g lw to 53 ± 11 ng/g lw, but not significantly. Although laying order effects were found, variation in concentrations within clutches was smaller than among clutches. To further investigate the impact of laying large numbers of eggs on levels and profiles of organic pollutants, initiation of replacement clutches was experimentally induced. Mean sum PCB and sum PBDE concentrations were significantly lower in eggs of replacement clutches compared to first clutches. In addition, first clutches had a higher contribution of the higher chlorinated and more persistent PCB congeners, CB 170, 180 and 183, and a lower contribution of CB 52, 95 and 149 compared to replacement clutches. Because of the differences in concentrations and profiles between the first and replacement clutches, the combined use of eggs from both the first and replacement clutches for monitoring purposes is not recommended. In conclusion, we suggest that, due to the larger variation among clutches compared to the variation within clutches, one randomly collected great tit egg from a first clutch is useful as a biomonitoring tool for organic pollutants. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which the impact of an experimentally increased clutch size on the levels and profiles of contaminants in eggs has been investigated.     

Organohalogenated contaminants in eggs of rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome) and imperial shags (Phalacrocorax atriceps) from the Falkland Islands

In this study, we evaluated the use of seabird eggs of two common bird species from the Falkland Islands as bioindicators of contamination with organohalogenated contaminants (OHCs). We compared contamination levels and profiles of different OHCs between eggs of the rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) and the imperial shag (Phalacrocorax atriceps). In addition, laying order effects on OHC concentrations and profiles were also investigated in both species. For polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) as well as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), concentrations were significantly lower in eggs of rockhopper penguins (27.6 ± 0.70 ng/g lw, 56.5 ± 1.33 ng/g lw and 0.98 ± 0.04 ng/g lw, respectively) compared to the imperial shags (140 ± 5.54 ng/g lw, 316 ± 11.53 ng/g lw, 1.92 ± 0.15 ng/g lw, respectively). On the other hand, 2′MeO-BDE 68 and 6MeO-BDE 47, two brominated compounds of reported natural origin, were significantly higher in the penguin eggs (0.55 ± 0.05 ng/g lw and 7.01 ± 0.64 ng/g lw, respectively) compared to the shag eggs (0.17 ± 0.03 ng/g lw and 0.50 ± 0.06 ng/g lw, respectively). In addition, PCB, OCP and PBDE contamination profiles differed markedly between the two species. Various factors, such as diet, feeding behaviour, migratory behaviour and species-specific metabolism, may be responsible for the observed results. For both rockhopper penguins and imperial shags, PCB, OCP and PBDE concentrations and profiles did not significantly change in relation to the laying order. This suggests that, for both species, any egg of a clutch is useful as a biomonitoring tool for OHCs. Although our results showed that OHCs have also reached the Falkland Islands, concentrations were relatively low compared to other studies. However, future monitoring may be warranted to assess temporal trends of different OHCs.     

Brominated flame retardants in Belgian home-produced eggs: levels and contamination sources

The extent and the sources of contamination with brominated flame retardants (BFRs), such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), in home-produced eggs from free-foraging chicken of Belgian private owners were investigated. Various factors, such as seasonal variability, exposure of chickens through diet (kitchen waste) and soil, and elimination of BFRs through eggs and faeces were assessed. PBDEs were more important than HBCD in terms of concentrations and detection frequency. Concentrations of PBDEs and HBCD in Belgian home-produced eggs were relatively low and comparable with reported levels from other European countries and the US. The concentrations of PBDEs (sum of 13 congeners, including BDE 209) ranged between not detected and 32 ng/g lipid weight (lw), with medians of 3.0 and < 2.0 ng/g lw for the autumn 2006 and spring 2007 campaigns, respectively. When present, BDE 209 was the major PBDE congener (45% of sum PBDEs). When BDE 209 was not detected, the PBDE profile was composed of PentaBDE (BDE 99 and BDE 47), with, in some cases, higher contribution of OctaBDE (BDE 183 and BDE 153). HBCD was also detected (< 0.4 and 2.9 ng/g lw for the autumn 2006 and spring 2007 campaigns, respectively), but at lower detection frequency. The highest HBCD value was 62 ng/g lw. The similarity between profiles and seasonal variations in the concentrations of BFRs in soil and eggs indicate that soil is an important source, but not the sole source, for eggs laid by free-foraging chicken. The contamination of eggs with PBDEs and HBCD appears to be of low concern for public health and the contribution of eggs to the total daily intake of PBDEs appears to be limited (10% for chicken owners and 5% for the average Belgian consumer).     

Bioaccumulation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecane in the northwest Atlantic marine food web

Seven species of teleost fishes comprising major prey of northwest Atlantic harbor seals were analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PBDE concentrations in whole fish samples (n = 87) were compared with those measured previously in harbor seal blubber to evaluate the transfer of PBDEs from prey to predator. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) concentrations were measured in three fish species to provide an initial estimation of HBCD contamination in this ecosystem. HBCD was detected in 87% of the fish samples at concentrations ranging from 2.4 to 38.1 ng/g, lw (overall mean 17.2 ± 10.2 ng/g, lw). ∑PBDE concentrations in fish ranged from 17.9 to 94 ng/g, lw (overall mean 62 ± 34 ng/g, lw). ∑PBDE concentrations in the harbor seals were two orders of magnitude higher than levels in the fish. Biomagnification factors (BMFs) from fish to seals averaged from 17 to 76, indicating that tetra- to hexa-BDEs are highly biomagnified in this marine food web. BDE-47 was the dominant congener in all samples, suggesting exposure to the penta-BDE mixture. The presence of higher brominated congeners including BDE-209 at measurable levels in fish and seal tissue, along with the very high biomagnification of BDE-153, as well as − 155, and − 154, suggests recent exposure to the octa- and deca-BDE formulations in this US coastal marine food web, as well as the additional contribution of BDE-209 debromination in fish to the loading of persistent PBDEs in the seals. This is the first study to report the occurrence of BDE-209 and other higher BDEs in commercially important marine fishes from the northwest Atlantic.     

Geography and stage of development affect persistent organic pollutants in stranded and wild-caught harbor seal pups from central California

Persistent organic pollutants have been associated with disease susceptibility and decreased immunity in marine mammals. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), chlordanes (CHLDs), and hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs) were evaluated in terms of stage of development and likely exposure routes (in utero, suckling, fasting) in the blubber of 202 stranded and wild-caught, primarily young of the year (n = 177), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in the central California coast. This is the first report of HCH concentrations in the blubber of California seals. Lipid normalized concentrations ranged from 200 to 330,000 ng/g for sum PCBs, 320-1,500,000 ng/g for sum DDTs, 23-63,000 ng/g for sum PBDEs, 29-29,000 ng/g for sum CHLDs, and 2-780 ng/g for sum HCHs. The highest concentrations were observed in harbor seal pups that suckled in the wild and then lost mass during the post-weaning fast. Among the pups sampled in the wild and those released from rehabilitation, there were no differences in mass, blubber depth, or percent lipid although contaminant concentrations were significantly higher in the pups which nursed in the wild. When geographic differences were evaluated in a subset of newborn animals collected near their birth locations, the ratio of sum DDTs to sum PCBs was significantly greater in samples from an area with agricultural inputs (Monterey), than one with industrial inputs (San Francisco Bay). A principal components analysis distinguished between seals from San Francisco Bay and Monterey Bay based on specific PCB and PBDE congeners and DDT metabolites. These data illustrate the important influence of life stage, nutritional status, and location on blubber contaminant levels, and thus the need to consider these factors when interpreting single sample measurements in marine mammals.     

Perfluorinated and other persistent halogenated organic compounds in European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) and common eider (Somateria mollissima) from Norway: A suburban to remote pollutant gradient

Samples of two marine bird species, European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) and common eider (Somateria mollissima) sampled at a remote coastal site in Norway were analysed for POPs and PFCs. Additionally samples of common eider were analysed from two other locations in Norway, representing a gradient from “densely populated” to “remote”. The variety, concentration and distribution of lipophilic POPs in comparison to PFCs were investigated. PCBs were the dominating group of contaminants in the analysed egg samples. Shag eggs had median sumPCBs levels of 4580 ng/g l.w. in 2004. Six different PBDE congeners could be detected in the shag eggs. BDE 47 and 100 were the main contributors with 24 and 27 ng/g l.w. respectively, sumPBDEs was 90 ng/g l.w. Relatively high concentrations of chlordanes were found with a total sum of 903 ng/g l.w. Of other OCs, toxaphene 26 and 52 together (sum 657 ng/g l.w.) and HCB (165 ng/g l.w.) were contributing majorly to the egg burden. Sum HCHs were low; only 54 ng/g l.w. PFOS was the main PFC in egg, plasma and liver samples. Similar median levels of 29, 32 and 27 ng/g w.w. were observed. PFOSA, PFHxS, and PFDcA were observed additionally in all shag samples at minor concentrations with the exception of elevated levels observed in liver for PFOSA and PFDcA with median levels of 7.6 and 7.9 ng/g w.w., respectively. In common eider eggs, the POP concentrations decreased up to 1/8th along the sampled spatial gradient from suburban to remote. Of the 9 detected PFCs, PFOS dominated all samples by one order of magnitude, followed by PFOA. SumPFC concentrations were twice as high at the two fjord sites compared to the remote site. Shorter chained PFCAs like PFOA and PFNA could be detected in the eider eggs whilst being absent in shag eggs.     

Contaminant blubber burdens in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from two southeastern US estuarine areas: Concentrations and patterns of PCBs, pesticides, PBDEs, PFCs, and PAHs

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated pesticides (i.e., dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, chlordanes (CHLs), dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and mirex), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in blubber biopsy samples collected from 139 wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) during 2003-2005 in Charleston (CHS), SC and the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), FL. Dolphins accumulated a similar suite of contaminants with ∑ PCB dominating (CHS 64%, IRL 72%), followed by ∑ DDT (CHS 20%, IRL 17%), ∑ CHLs (CHS 7%; IRL 7%), ∑ PBDE (CHS 4%, IRL 2%), PAH at 2%, and dieldrin, PFCs and mirex each 1% or less. Together ∑ PCB and ∑ DDT concentrations contributed ∼ 87% of the total POCs measured in blubber of adult males. ∑ PCBs in adult male dolphins exceed the established PCB threshold of 17 mg/kg by a 5-fold order of magnitude with a 15-fold increase for many animals; 88% of the dolphins exceed this threshold. For male dolphins, CHS (93,980 ng/g lipid) had a higher ∑ PCBs geomean compared to the IRL (79,752 ng/g lipid) although not statistically different. In adult males, the PBDE geometric mean concentration was significantly higher in CHS (5920 ng/g lipid) than the IRL (1487 ng/g). Blubber ∑ PFCs concentrations were significantly higher in CHS dolphins. In addition to differences in concentration of PCB congeners, ∑ PBDE, TEQ, ∑ CHLs, mirex, dieldrin, and the ratios ∑ DDE/∑DDT and trans-nonachlor/cis-nonachlor were the most informative for discriminating contaminant loads in these two dolphin populations. Collectively, the current ∑ PCB, ∑ DDT, and ∑ PBDEs blubber concentrations found in CHS dolphins are among the highest reported values in marine mammals. Both dolphin populations, particularly those in CHS, carry a suite of organic chemicals at or above the level where adverse effects have been reported in wildlife, humans, and laboratory animals warranting further examination of the potential adverse effects of these exposures.     

Occurrence of endocrine disrupting compounds in tissues and body fluids of Belgian dairy cows and its implications for the use of the cow as a model to study endocrine disruption

The reproductive performance of high producing dairy cows has dropped severely throughout the last decades. It has already been suggested that the presence of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in the environment could be one of the reasons for this declining fertility. Reliable data concerning tissue and body fluid concentrations of these chemicals are thus crucial, but currently only scarcely available. Therefore, we selected dairy cows (≥ 6 years) from diverse locations in Belgium and analysed tissues (liver, adipose tissue, muscle, kidney, and ovaria) and body fluids (serum, follicular fluid, and milk) for their content of potential EDCs, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Furthermore, we collected milk and serum samples from high producing dairy cows 2-3 weeks post-partum to verify if the massive lipolysis required to sustain milk production is accompanied with an increase in EDC concentrations in milk and serum.Overall, contamination was very low (median sum PCBs liver: 11.7 ng g⁻¹ lw), with follicular fluid samples showing no detectable contamination. CB 153 was present in each tissue sample. Strong correlations could be found between EDCs in the same tissue. The increased PCB concentrations observed in milk samples from high producing dairy cows could indicate that massive lipolysis can play a role in liberating and thereby increasing EDC concentrations in milk.Because concentrations of the most prevalent EDCs in dairy cow tissues and body fluids are very low, exposure to EDCs can hardly be considered as a major cause of declining fertility in high producing dairy cows in Belgium. As a result of this low contamination and the similarities between the female bovine and human reproductive physiology, in vitro studies based on Belgian dairy cow ovarian follicles can be considered as a valuable model to study the effects of EDCs on human reproduction.     

Organochlorine pesticides in colostrums in case of normal and preterm labor (IASI, Romania)

Assessment of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in human body is important for human health because they have weak estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects and are considered endocrine disrupters. We used colostrum of women as indicator for levels of OCPs in human body for mothers with normal and preterm labor from eastern part of Romania. Sixty- three samples of colostrum were extracted by solid-phase extraction. Analyses were carried out using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). OCPs have been detected in all samples, with p,p’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p’-DDE) and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH) being at the highest concentrations. Of the organochlorines measured in clostrum samples from women in preterm labor, median levels of DDTs (470 ng/g) and HCHs (99 ng/g) were higher than for the same compounds from women in normal labor (median of DDTs = 268 ng/g and median of HCHs = 96 ng/g). Normal labor had higher median concentrations of HCB (19.5 ng/g) versus preterm labor (14 ng/g). Statistical data show high Spearman correlation coefficients between various OCPs. We found a good correlation between α-, γ-, β- and δ- HCH isomers (p < 0.001) for both normal and preterm labor. The most abundant target compound was p,p’-DDE (median value 96 ng/g, and 137 ng/g for mother with normal and preterm labor, respectively) in all colostrum samples. The estimated daily intakes of HCHs by infants exceeded corresponding Health Canada guidelines.     

Classic and novel brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in common sole (Solea solea L.) from main nursery zones along the French coasts

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) were investigated in juvenile common sole from nursery zones situated along the French coast in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Extensive identification was performed with regard to PBDEs, novel BFRs 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE) and decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE), and other non-PBDE BFRs, namely, hexabromobenzene (HBB) and 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexabromobiphenyl (BB-153). Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations (Σ 14 congeners) ranged from 0.01 ng/g to 0.16 ng/g wet weight (ww) in muscle, and 0.07 ng/g to 2.8 ng/g ww in liver. Concentrations were in the lower range of those reported in the literature in other European locations. Lower PBDE concentrations, condition indices and lipid contents were observed in the Seine estuary in 2009, possibly in relation to a lower water flow. The PBDE patterns and ratios we observed suggested that juvenile sole have a relative high metabolic degradation capacity. Non-PBDE BFRs were detected at lower levels than PBDEs, i.e., within the < method detection limit - 0.005 ng/g ww range in muscle, and < method detection limit - 0.2 ng/g ww range in liver. The data obtained is of particular interest for the future monitoring of these compounds in the environment.     

Organochlorines and heavy metals in wild caught food as a potential human health risk to the indigenous Māori population of South Canterbury, New Zealand

Increasing concentrations of anthropogenic contaminants in wild kai (food) of cultural, recreational and economic importance to the indigenous Māori of New Zealand is a potential human health risk. Contaminants that are known to bioaccumulate through the food chain (e.g., organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), PCBs and selected heavy metals) were analysed in important kai species including eel (Anguilla sp.), brown trout (Salmo trutta), black flounder (Rhombosolea retiaria) and watercress (Nasturtium officinale) from important harvesting sites in the region of South Canterbury. Eels contained relatively high wet weight concentrations of p,p′-DDE (8.6-287 ng/g), PCBs (³²Σ_PCB; 0.53-58.3 ng/g), dieldrin (< 0.05-16.3 ng/g) and Σchlordanes (0.03-10.6 ng/g). Trout and flounder contained lower concentrations of organochlorines than eels, with p,p′-DDE wet weight concentrations ranging from 2.2 to 18.5 ng/g for trout and 6.4 to 27.8 ng/g for flounder. Total arsenic wet weight concentrations were below detection limits for eels but ranged from 0.27 to 0.89 μg/g for trout and 0.12 to 0.56 μg/g for flounder. Mercury concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.56 μg/g, 0.11 to 0.50 μg/g and 0.04 to 0.10 μg/g (ww) for eel, trout and flounder respectively. Lifetime excess cancer risk was calculated through established risk assessment procedures, highlighting dieldrin, ΣPCBs and p,p′-DDE in eels and arsenic in trout and flounder as primary contaminants of concern. A second non-cancer chronic health risk assessment indicated that mercury and PCBs were a potential concern in eels and mercury in trout. A cumulative lifetime cancer risk assessment showed potential health risk for consumption of some species, even at low consumption rates and provided the basis for establishing recommended dietary consumption limits for harvest sites within the study region.     

Bioaccumulation behaviour of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in a Canadian Arctic marine food web

A comparative analysis of the bioaccumulation behaviour of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was conducted involving simultaneous measurements of PBDE and PCB concentrations in organisms of a Canadian Arctic marine food web. Concentrations of individual PBDE congeners (BDE-28, -47, -99, -153, -154 and -183) in Arctic marine sediments (0.001-0.5 ng.g(-1) dry wt) and biota (0.1-30 ng.g(-1) wet wt) were low compared to those concentrations in biota from urbanized/industrial regions. While recalcitrant PCB congeners exhibited a high degree of biomagnification in this food web, PBDE congeners exhibited negligible biomagnification. Trophic magnification factors (TMFs) of PCBs ranged between 2.9 and 11, while TMFs of PBDEs ranged between 0.7 and 1.6. TMFs of several PBDE congeners (BDE-28, -66, -99, -100, -118, -153 and -154) were not statistically greater than 1, indicating a lack of food web magnification. BDE-47 was the only PBDE with a TMF (i.e. 1.6) statistically greater than 1, hence showing evidence of biomagnification in the food web. However, the TMF of BDE-47 (1.6) was substantially lower than TMFs of recalcitrant Cl(5)-Cl(7) PCBs (TMFs~9-11). Species-specific bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of PBDEs in homeotherms were much smaller than those for PCBs. This further indicates the low degree or absence of biomagnification of PBDEs compared to PCBs in this food web. The field observations suggest PBDEs exhibit a relatively rapid rate of depuration though biotransformation in Arctic marine organisms, which is consistent with laboratory studies in fish and rats.     

Impacts of pollution derived from ship wrecks on the marine environment on the basis of s/s “Stuttgart” (Polish coast, Europe)

In 1943 the German hospital ship s/s Stuttgart (Lazaretschiff “C”) was sunk close to the port of Gdynia (Gulf of Gdańsk — Polish coast). This and other actions (undertaken after the war to remove the wreck) led to pollution of the sea bottom with oil derivatives.During our studies (2009) 11 surface sediment and water samples were collected as well as sediment core samples at 4 locations in order to determine the concentration levels of priority pollutants belonging to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). The concentrations of 16 PAH and 7 PCB were analysed with GC-MS. ΣPAH varied between 11.54 ± 0.39 and 206.7 ± 6.5 mg/kg dry weight in the surface sediments, and from 0.686 ± 0.026 to 1291 ± 53 mg/kg dry weight in the core samples. Contamination in the core samples collected may reach a depth of at least 230-240 cm (deepest sample studied). The PAH-group profiles in all surface sediment samples suggest a pyrolytic source of PAH, while the results obtained for core samples indicate a mixed pattern of pyrolytic and petrogenic inputs of PAH. Results obtained may suggest also that fuel residues being present at sea bottom is not crude oil derived but results from coal processing (synthetic fuel). The sum of PCB in surface sediments ranged from 0.761 ± 0.068 to 6.82 ± 0.28 μg/kg dry weight (except for sampling point W2, where ΣPCB was 108.8 ± 4.4 μg/kg dry weight). The strong correlation between PAH and PCB levels, and the fact that PCB are present only in the surface sediments, suggest that the compounds in these sediments got there as a result of emission from urban areas, entering the aquatic environment via atmospheric deposition. PCB levels in the sediment core samples were generally very low and in most cases did not exceed the method quantification limit.     

Potential for phytoextraction of PCBs from contaminated soils using weeds

A comprehensive investigation of the potential of twenty-seven different species of weeds to phytoextract polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from contaminated soil was conducted at two field sites (Etobicoke and Lindsay) in southern Ontario, Canada. Soil concentrations were 31 μg/g and 4.7 μg/g at each site respectively. All species accumulated PCBs in their root and shoot tissues. Mean shoot concentrations at the two sites ranged from 0.42 μg/g for Chenopodium album to 35 μg/g for Vicia cracca (dry weight). Bioaccumulation factors (BAF = [PCB]_{plant tissue}/[PCB]_{mean soil}) at the two sites ranged from 0.08 for Cirsium vulgare to 1.1 for V. cracca. Maximum shoot extractions were 420 µg for Solidago canadensis at the Etobicoke site, and 120 µg for Chrysanthemum leucanthemum at the Lindsay site. When plant density was taken into account with a theoretical density value, seventeen species appeared to be able to extract a similar or greater quantity of PCBs into the shoot tissue than pumpkins (Curcurbita pepo ssp. pepo) which are known PCB accumulators. Therefore, some of these weed species are promising candidates for future phytoremediation studies.     

Endocrine disrupting, haematological and biochemical effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in a terrestrial songbird, the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

We exposed female European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) during a 6 month period to environmentally relevant concentrations of a pentabromodiphenyl ether (Penta-BDE) mixture (about 1740 μg/kg body weight) through subcutaneous implants, and examined endocrine disruptive, haematological and biochemical effects. To investigate endocrine disrupting effects of PBDEs, testosterone, estradiol and thyroid hormones (T₃ and T₄) were measured in the plasma. We found no significant differences between the control and exposed groups for any of the hormones. However, 14 days after implantation, T₃ concentrations tended to be lower in the exposed group compared to the control group. For albumin, our results suggest that short term exposure of PBDEs may result in a negative effect on albumin, while the opposite was observed on a longer term (6 months after implantation). However, from the statistical analysis, effects on albumin disappeared when excluding females that laid eggs. These results demonstrate that observed effects during the breeding season should be interpreted carefully when the breeding status of females is unknown. There were no significant differences found between the control and exposed groups for the other biochemical parameters (total protein, uric acid, cholesterol, aspartate transaminase, total antioxidative capacity, high-density lipoproteins and creatine kinase) and haematological parameters (amount of red blood cells, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin). All together, our results suggest that European starlings, similar to other passerine species, may be less sensitive to the effects of organohalogenated pollutants, such as PBDEs, than other bird species.     

Accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticide in pet cats and dogs: Assessment of toxicological status

PCB and DDT concentrations were determined in the adipose tissue of cats and dogs from Southern Italy. In cats p,p′-DDE was the most abundant DDT component (95.0%), while in dogs these compounds were absent, except in two specimens. PCB concentrations were higher in cats (199.02 ng g^− 1 lipid weight) than in dogs (41.61 ng g^− 1 lipid weight). Also there were inter-specific differences in the contribution of the different congeners to PCBs, although PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180 were the most representative congeners in both species. Animals from one location, Taranto City, had significantly elevated concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs compared to the other locations. Consequently the estimated mean 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs were higher in these animals (cats: 0.65 pg g^− 1 lipid weight; dogs 0.29 pg g^− 1 lipid weight) than in the other ones (cats: 0.12 pg g^− 1 lipid weight; dogs: 0.001 pg g^− 1 lipid weight).     

Fluctuating wing asymmetry and hepatic concentrations of persistent organic pollutants are associated in European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) chicks

In aquatic birds, high body burdens of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been associated with developmental effects related to growth, increased fluctuating wing asymmetry, and disruption of the thyroid hormone, vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin E (tocopherol) homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to examine if morphological variables (body mass, liver mass, wing length, tarsus length and head length), fluctuating asymmetry of the wings and tarsus, growth rates and endocrine variables (thyroid hormones, retinol and tocopherol) were associated with hepatic levels of POPs (PCBs, OCPs and PBDEs) in 21 day old chicks of European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis). Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis showed that fluctuating asymmetry of wing bone length (FA_WBL) was affected by PCB-105, -118, -138, -153, and -180 (r²x = 0.88, r²y = 0.35, q² = 0.29). Bivariate correlation confirmed significant positive relationships between FA_WBL and each of these PCB congeners. In the PLS model no other biological variables were significantly affected by any of the POPs. Levels of POPs were much lower in the shag chicks than in eggs and in hatchlings from the same breeding colony, most likely due to growth dilution of the compounds. We suggest that the effects of the PCBs on FA_WBL may be due to effects of these compounds on bone growth and bone structure. FA_WBL may have functional effects on the fitness if it persists after fledging.     

Distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in human umbilical cord serum, maternal serum and milk from Wielkopolska region, Poland

The levels of organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs): p,p'-DDT and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), chlordanes and their metabolites, and 18 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were measured in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum and human milk collected from 22 mothers living in the Wielkopolska region, Poland. Additionally, 11 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners were measured in the human milk samples. p,p'-DDT and its major metabolite, p,p'-DDE, together with HCB, were found in all milk and serum samples. Median concentrations of p,p'-DDE in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum and milk were 343, 329 and 634ng/g lipid weight (lw). PCB congeners 138, 153 and 180 were the major congeners measured in all serum samples, while CB 170 was detected in 74% and 100% of umbilical cord and maternal serum, respectively. Except for CBs 74, 101 and 105, which had a detection frequency of 77%, 23% and 82%, respectively, all investigated PCB congeners were measured in all human milk samples. The median concentrations of sum PCBs in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum and milk were 79, 60 and 133 ng/g lw, respectively. A good correlation (Spearman R(S)>0.75, p<0.001) was found for major PCBs, p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE, between maternal and umbilical cord serum, while the correlation was weaker between milk and serum. The median of sum PBDEs in human milk was 2.0 ng/g lw (range 0.8 to 8.4), with BDE 47 being always the most abundant PBDE congener and, together with BDE 153, being present in all samples. In general, results found in the investigated group are at the low end of the concentration range measured in Europe.     

Maternal levels of organochlorines in two communities in southern Vietnam

Some pesticides and PCBs continue to be reported as environmental problems in some areas of Vietnam. In 2005, a study among delivering women took place in two communities in south-central Vietnam (Khanh Hoa Province), namely the coastal city of Nha Trang and the rural district of Dien Khanh located about 10 km inland. The main findings in plasma (n = 189) were relatively high mean concentrations of p,p′-DDE (12.2 µg/l in Nha Trang and 11.4 µg/l in Dien Khanh) and p,p′-DDT (1.2 µg/l in Nha Trang and 1.1 µg/l in Dien Khanh) with no significant community differences. The ratio of p,p′-DDE/p,p′-DDT (11.5 in Nha Trang/12.7 in Dien Khanh) suggests, as in other Vietnamese OCs studies, a relatively recent use of this pesticide. Mean concentrations of PCB 153 (0.15 µg/l in Nha Trang and 0.10 µg/l in Dien Khanh) and other congeners were low in both communities. Age and parity (all compounds), as well as community of residence for PCB 153, were the most important predictors of plasma OCs concentrations.     

Levels of chlorinated pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in Norwegian breast milk (2002-2006), and factors that may predict the level of contamination

In the present study, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were determined in 423 breast milk samples from women living in Norway. Various predictors for the contaminant levels were also investigated. The samples were collected in six counties, representing South, Central and North Norway in 2002-2006. Initial results showed significantly lower levels of OCPs in breast milk from ethnic Norwegians (N = 377) compared to ethnic non-Norwegians (N = 46). Median concentrations (range) of PCBs, p,p′-DDE, HCB, β-HCH and oxychlordane in breast milk of the Norwegian women, all parities included, were 103 (34-450), 41 (5.4-492), 11 (3.6-24), 4.7 (0.9-37) and 2.8 (0.5-16) ng/g lipid weight, respectively. Results indicated that sum of 18 PCBs, p,p′-DDE and β-HCH are good predictors for monitoring of PCB, DDT and HCH levels in Norwegian breast milk. Multivariable linear regression analyses showed that age was strongly associated with increasing OC levels (P < 0.001), whereas parity was associated with decreasing OC levels (P < 0.001). Smoking was associated with higher levels of PCBs, p,p′-DDE and β-HCH. The models explained from 17 to 35% of the variance. Median levels of OCs in the present Norwegian primparaes seemed to be 29-62% lower than corresponding results found in a Norwegian study from 2000-2002.