Effects of chlorinated hydrocarbons on bald eagle chicks

Abstract

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were determined in eggs of eight avian species collected from Dongting Lake of China to assess residue levels, accumulation patterns, and toxic potential in different avian species. Concentrations of total 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/Fs were in the range of 10.8–182 pg g−1 lipid weight. Eggs of great egret and lesser pied kingfisher contained higher levels of PCDD/Fs than eggs of other species, indicating the specific exposure and accumulation of PCDD/Fs relating to feeding habits and the life span. PCDD/Fs congener patterns varied among species. The patterns of PCDD/Fs in the eggs may be influenced by feeding habits, specific elimination, and metabolism. In general, concentrations of PCDDs were higher than those of PCDFs in avian eggs. On basis of lipid weight, total 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalents (TEQs) calculated based on the WHO TEFs for birds ranged from 2.04 to 42.0 pg g−1; and on basis of wet weight, total WHO-TEQs ranged from 0.19 to 1.59 pg g−1. 2,3,7,8-TCDF, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 2,3,7,8-TCDD, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD were the major contributors to TEQ concentration in most avian eggs, whereas 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD also accounted for a major portion of TEQs in eggs of azure-winged magpie. Values of TEQs in avian eggs were lower than toxic threshold values, implying risk reduction and natural restoration of PCDD/Fs contamination in Dongting Lake region.