Abstract
From eight common tern ( Sterna hirundo) colonies eggs were collected for laboratory incubation. Significant differences between colonies were found for yolk sac concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins (PCDDs). Corresponding differences were observed for hepatic EROD and PROD activities. No differences between the colonies were observed regarding embryonic O 2 CO 2 exchange, egg weight, eggshell thickness, hatchling weight or liver weight/body weight ratio. It is concluded that hepatic EROD activity is usable as a relative sensitive biochemical indicator for early exposure to planar halogenated polyaromatics in the early life stage of the common tern.
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