Abstract
Native and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were examined in the muscle, liver, kidneys, and lungs of greater scaup (Aythya marila) and great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus). Both species showed differences in distribution and profiles among the tissues. The highest ƩPAH concentrations were in the scaup lungs and the grebe kidneys (20 and 19 ng g−1 wet weight, respectively). Alkylated derivatives were in the range of 61 to 77% of ΣPAHs in both species. Differences in PAH profiles between birds, analyzed by PCA, were probably results of metabolic capability, not various diet. In comparison to available data from other regions of the world, PAH levels in investigated species are relatively low and do not pose a threat to birds themselves.
Highlights
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous and well-known environmental pollutants which have attracted a lot of scientific interest due to tendency to bioaccumulate and biomagnify in the food web
In the aspect of these issues, the present study investigates the levels, distribution, and potential sources of PAHs in the seabirds from the south coast of the Baltic Sea, to gain a better understanding of the interspecies differences and their routes of exposure
This is the first study in which PAH concentrations have been evaluated in birds from the Pomeranian Bay and Szczecin Lagoon on the south cost of the Baltic Sea
Summary
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous and well-known environmental pollutants which have attracted a lot of scientific interest due to tendency to bioaccumulate and biomagnify in the food web. The PAH concentrations were measured in two species of seabirds, greater scaup (Aythya marila) and great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), from the two areas of south coast of the Baltic Sea, Pomeranian Bay (PB) and Szczecin Lagoon (SL). These two species of birds differ in diet. The area from which the scaup and grebe samples were collected is one of the most important wintering location for many native and arctic species of birds, where coastal waters are characterized by an abundant food supply This is an area under strong anthropogenic pressure, which is influenced by maritime economy with some important sea routes for ships, numerous ports and repair shipyards, the fuel and energy industry, and mining (crude oil). In the aspect of these issues, the present study investigates the levels, distribution, and potential sources of PAHs in the seabirds from the south coast of the Baltic Sea, to gain a better understanding of the interspecies differences and their routes of exposure
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