Abstract
This study has shown that the concentration of organochlorine substances in Common Terns and their eggs can vary considerably during a single breeding season. Similarly the levels of mercury in the breast muscle of adult Common Terns varied with time but levels in the eggs did not vary through the breeding season. It is concluded that the organochlorine substances reported in this paper and the mercury were mainly ingested in the vicinity of the colony. Studies of residues and breeding success of fish-eating birds, which may be affected by pollutants, should take account of such seasonal variation in organochlorine and mercury substances which occurs amongst colonies of birds nesting in contaminated environments.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
