Gastrointestinal and respiratory exposure of water birds to endocrine disrupting phenolic compounds

Abstract

Aquatic birds found at the top of the trophic chain are exposed to xenobiotics present both in food and inhaled air. The aim of this study was to indicate and assess the routes and levels of exposure of aquatic birds to bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP) and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP). The birds constituting the study material (Clangula hyemalis, Alca torda, Mergus merganser) originated from by-catches (winter 2014–2016) in the Southern Baltic. The studies show that the exposure of birds to phenol derivatives is determined by the specifics of a compound, the habitat area, trophic level and food consumed. BPA was characterized by the highest intestinal concentrations in all birds (6.6–1176.2 ng.g−1 dw). Higher concentrations of 4-t-OP were determined in the lungs of birds from the eastern part of the Southern Baltic (9.1–135.7 ng.g−1 dw) and in the intestines of birds from the western part (<0.5–191.4 ng.g−1 dw). In the case of 4-NP, higher concentrations were found in the intestines of carnivorous species (64.9–524.5 ng.g−1 dw), and the lungs of benthos-eating species (39.4–399.7 ng.g−1 dw). The intestines that were most burdened with 4-NP were those of birds from the highest trophic level. Correlations between the concentrations of phenol derivatives in the blood and the intestines and lungs indicated that birds are exposed to the penetration of phenol derivatives through the digestive and respiratory tracts. BPA and 4-NP were characterized by the highest concentrations in the intestines and lungs, whereas 4-t-OP in blood (3.2–39.2 ng.cm−3), which may indicate the largest endocrine potential of this compound in birds. Significant differences in phenol derivatives concentrations in the intestines and lungs of birds from the western and eastern part of the Southern Baltic, shows that these tissues can be useful for assessing the contamination of the environment with EDCs.