Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and flame retardants in northern gannet (Morus bassanus) eggs from Bonaventure Island, Gulf of St. Lawrence, 1994–2014

Abstract

Northern gannet (Morus bassanus) eggs from Bonaventure Island, Québec, Canada, were collected to monitor concentrations of contaminants. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/Fs) and non-ortho polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in eggs from 2004 and 2009, and several brominated and nonbrominated flame retardants (FRs) were measured every 2–5 years in eggs from 1994 to 2014. The sum (Σ) concentrations of PCDDs/Fs were significantly lower in 2009 relative to 2004, but the total toxic equivalent concentrations for PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs showed no significant differences (196 ng/kg wet weight (ww) in 2004 and 220 ng/kg ww in 2009). The mean ΣFR concentrations decreased significantly between 1994 and 2014, from 58 ng/g ww to 19 ng/g ww. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) was the principal nonbrominated FR detected in gannet eggs and ranged from <1.0 ng/g ww to 6.9 ng/g ww. The PCDD/F and nonortho PCB profiles were dominated by 2,3,7,8- tetrachloro-dibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TCDF; from 26.2 ng/g ww to 34.8 ng/kg ww) and PCB-77 (from 1580 ng/g ww to 2650 ng/kg ww), respectively. Although the values of both ecological tracer stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) showed differences among the years, no temporal trends were observed, which indicates relatively stable adults' diet and foraging area over this time period. The trends over time in concentrations of the studied contaminants likely reflect a decrease in environmental contamination. The mean 2012 eggshell thickness was 10% lower than the pre-DDT value and corresponded to a year of poor reproductive success.