Eagle Eggs Research Articles

Organochlorines in egg samples from Norwegian birds of prey: Congener-, isomer- and enantiomer specific considerations

The content of chlorinated persistent organic pollutants was determined in a total of 44 egg samples from 8 different raptor species collected throughout Norway in the period 1991–1997. The content of 8 chlorinated bornanes, 9 chlorinated pesticides, and 15 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCB) were determined. The highest average concentrations for PCB were found for eggs from White-tailed Sea Eagle and Peregrine Falcon (average sum PCB concentration: 8.9 and 9.1 μg/g wet weight (w.w.), respectively). Merlin and Sparrowhawk eggs were the highest contaminated with chlorinated pesticides (average sum pesticide concentration: 3.0 and 4.3 μg/g w.w.). For the first time, the content of chlorobornanes was determined in Norwegian birds of prey eggs. However, only minor contamination compared to PCBs and conventional chlorinated pesticides was found. The highest sum concentration was determined for White-tailed Sea Eagle eggs (0.09 μg/g w.w.). No chlorobornane contamination was found in Osprey and Merlin eggs. No spatial and regional specific trends or pattern distribution were found for organochlorine contamination in the egg samples analysed. In order to gain information about enantiomer specific bioaccumulation and biotransformation capacity of the organism, enantioselective analyses was performed for the chiral contaminants trans-chlordane, oxy-chlordane and the chlorobornane B9-1679 (Parlar #50). Indications for species-dependent deviation from the racemic distribution (enantiomeric ratio=1) were found. Peregrine Falcon and Merlin eggs were characterised with an extremely high enantiomeric excess of the (−)- trans-chlordane (enantiomeric ratio (ER) <0.01). For Golden Eagle, Goshawk and Sparrowhawk eggs, the ERs were between 0.1 and 0.22 demonstrating also here that the (−)- trans-chlordane was the most abundant enantiomer. For the distribution of oxy-chlordane and B9-1679 enantiomers no species-dependent differences were found. For all species the ER values between 0.3 and 0.8 were determined. Thus, also for oxy-chlordane and B9-1679, the (−)-enantiomers are the most dominating stereoisomers in the birds of prey eggs analysed.

Rethinking an astronomical icon: The eagle's eggs: Not so fertile

Science NewsVolume 161, Issue 11 p. 171-172 Article Rethinking an astronomical icon: The eagle's eggs: Not so fertile Ron Cowen, Ron CowenSearch for more papers by this author Ron Cowen, Ron CowenSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 July 2009 https://doi.org/10.2307/4013078AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume161, Issue1116 March 2002Pages 171-172 RelatedInformation

Nestling Blood of the White-Tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) as an Indicator of Territorial Exposure to Organohalogen Compounds−An Evaluation

This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of nestling blood for monitoring levels of organohalogen substances (OHS) in white-tailed sea eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla). The concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethene (DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), and one polybrominated phenoxyanisol in nestling blood were determined. In addition at least 22 hydroxylated PCBs were indicated. Eagle nestlings did not demonstrate any changes in concentrations of PCBs or DDE during 4−8 weeks of age. The variations in PCBs and DDE levels within a given territory between different years are similar to the corresponding variation observed in white-tailed sea eagle eggs. Regional differences in the pattern of OHS were also found. Thus, the results indicate that nestling blood provides a good measure of territorial exposure. However, to create a better basis for evaluation of contaminant levels, more than one sampling year from each breeding territory is recommended. There is a significant negative correlation between the concentration of 2,3‘,4,4‘,5-pentachlorobiphenyl and brood size. This observation indicates that present levels of coplanar PCBs may still influence the reproduction of white-tailed sea eagles on the Baltic coast.

High productivity by Fish Eagles on a polluted dam near Harare

Mundy, P.J. & Couto, J.T. 2000. High productivity by Fish Eagles on a polluted dam near Harare. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 11–14. Lake Chivero, in the Robert McIlwaine Recreational Park west of Harare, is the capital city's main reservoir of drinking water. It has been the subject of five surveys for pesticides and/or heavy metals in the period 1974–1995. The (geometric) average DDE residue level in seven Fish Eagle eggs collected in 1980 was 53 ppm dry weight. By 1995, DDT levels had considerably declined. There are now five pairs of Fish Eagles on Lake Chivero (1996), at a very low density of 14.8 km shoreline per pair. In the 14-year period, 1984–1997, 40 pair-occupations have been found and inspected, which produced 64 fledglings. One nest had fledglings in 11 years, and on three occasions broods of three were produced from it. A fourth brood of three was produced at another nest. The dam receives treated sewage effluent from the city and is now highly eutrophic; this has contributed to the eagles' breeding performance.

Productivity, diets, and environmental contaminants in nesting bald eagles from the aleutian archipelago

AbstractWe studied productivity, diets, and environmental contaminants in nesting bald eagles from the western Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA, during the summers of 1993 and 1994. Productivity on Adak, Tanaga, and Amchitka Islands ranged from 0.88 to 1.24 young produced per occupied site and was comparable to that of healthy populations in the lower 48 United States. However, productivity on Kiska Island was depressed, averaging 0.67 young per occupied site. The lower reproductive success on Kiska was associated with elevated levels of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene and other organochlorine pesticides. Many of the organochlorine pesticides were elevated in bald eagle eggs from the four islands, but concentrations of these contaminants and Hg were significantly higher in eggs from Kiska Island than in eggs from the other islands. In contrast, polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations were higher in eggs from Adak, Amchitka, and Kiska (where military facilities have been installed) than in those from Tanaga (which has had little military activity). The most likely source of these contaminants in bald eagles was from their diets, which were variable spatially and temporally. Fish made up most (56%) of the eagles' diet on Adak and Tanaga Islands, followed by birds (25%) and mammals (19%). In contrast, birds comprised the majority (60%) of bald eagle diets on Amchitka and Kiska Islands, followed by mammals (30%) and fish (10%). The high proportion of seabirds in the diet of eagles from Kiska Island could be the major source of organochlorine and Hg contamination. Elevated concentrations of organochlorines in bald eagle eggs from the Aleutian Archipelago was surprising, because of the distance to agricultural areas. The results indicate that these contaminants can be transported long distances and affect wildlife populations in remote and pristine areas. We also discuss potential sources and transport mechanisms of these contaminants to the Aleutian Islands.

Environmental contaminants associated with reproductive failure in bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) eggs in New Jersey.

Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in New Jersey once numbered approximately 22 pairs, but declined to just one nesting pair by 1970. This decline mirrored the national trend, caused by the effects of the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). With the ban on DDT, and state and federal eagle recovery programs, the eagle population has increased substantially. The bald eagle is currently listed as a threatened species by the United States government, and as endangered by the state of New Jersey. Since it is a relatively long-lived bird, the species remains sensitive to environmental toxins that bioaccumulate and affect reproduction (Bowerman 1993, Wiemeyer et al. 1993, Nisbet and Risebrough 1994).

Comparative developmental toxicity of planar polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in chickens, American kestrels, and common terns

AbstractThe effects of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, PCB 126 (3,3′,4,4′,5‐pentaCB) and PCB 77 (3,3′4,4′‐tetraCB), were examined in chicken (Gallus gallus), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), and common tern (Sterna hirundo) embryos through hatching, following air cell injections on day 4. PCB 126 caused malformations and edema in chickens starting at 0.3 ppb, in kestrels at 2.3 to 23 ppb, but in terns only at levels affecting hatching success (44 ppb). Extent of edema was most severe in chickens and least in terns. Defects of the beak were common in all species but with crossed beak most prevalent in terns. Effects on embryo growth were most apparent for PCB 126 in chickens and kestrels. The approximate 50% lethal dose (LD50) for PCB 126 in chickens was 0.4 ppb, in kestrels was 65 ppb, and in terns was 104 ppb. The approximate LD50 for PCB 77 in chickens was 2.6 ppb and in kestrels was 316 ppb. Induction of cytochrome P450 associated monooxygenase activity (ethoxyresorufin‐O‐dealkylase activity) by PCB 126 in chick embryo liver was about 800 times more responsive than in tern and at least 1,000 times more responsive than in kestrel. High concentrations of PCB 126 found in bald eagle eggs are nearly 20‐fold higher than the lowest toxic concentration tested in kestrels. Concentrations of PCB 126 causing low‐level toxic effects in common tern eggs are comparable to highest levels in common terns and Forster's terns in the field, suggesting additional involvement of other compounds in the Great Lakes.

2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin equivalents in extracts of Baltic white‐tailed sea eagles

AbstractConcentrations of 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin‐(TCDD) equivalents were measured in extracts of Baltic white‐tailed sea eagle tissues. Extracts of salmon, ringed seal, and grey seal were analyzed as other predatory species of the same area. Concentrations in eagle and seal tissues were greater than those in salmon. Concentrations of TCDD equivalents (TCDD‐EQs) determined by the H4IIE bioassay were compared with toxic equivalents (TEQs) derived from instrumental chemical analyses in fractions containing polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDF) or coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Toxic equivalents were calculated by use of an additive model in which the product of the concentrations of instrumentally measured individual congeners were multiplied by their TCDD equivalency factors and were summed to give a total concentration of TEQs. The TCDD‐EQs were compared with TEQs to develop a mass balance to determine whether all the TCDD‐like activity was accounted for. For example, the concentration of TCDD‐EQs in the coplanar PCB fraction of the most contaminated eagle was 980 pg/g fresh weight (fw), and that of the PCDD/PCDF fraction was 240 pg/g fw. The TEQs determined by chemical analyses for coplanar PCBs was 770 pg/g fw, and that of PCDD/PCDFs was 270 pg/g fw in this eagle. Thus, concentrations of TCDD‐EQs were approx. 20% greater than those of TEQs. The true difference in activities is probably greater because of lower recoveries and infra‐additivities among congeners in the bioassay. This indicates that there are compounds present in the extracts that can contribute to the total concentrations of TCDD‐EQs that were not accounted for by TEQs. The hazard quotient, calculated as the ratio of current concentrations of TCDD‐EQs in white‐tailed sea eagle eggs to the no‐observable‐adverse‐effect concentration, ranged from 7.3 to 141 (mean = 52.7, SD = 43). This indicates that current concentrations of TCDD‐EQs in these eggs are likely causing adverse effects in the Baltic populations of white‐tailed sea eagles. This study indicated that the H4IIE bioassay is useful for monitoring the presence and biological activity of TCDD‐like compounds in environmental samples like white‐tailed sea eagles.

Orion Proplyds and The Eagle's Eggs

We describe the effects of environment on low-mass star formation, from the perspective that most stars in the galaxy form in dense clusters and aggregates in GMCs, often in the presence of massive OB stars. First, we discuss the observational evidence for circumstellar disks around stars of the Trapezium Cluster, and how they are affected by their environment. Second, we examine the more distant M 16, where photo-evaporation by OB stars may disrupt the star formation process, and may inhibit the development of circumstellar disks.

Patterns, trends, and toxicological significance of chlorinated hydrocarbon and mercury contaminants in bald eagle eggs from the pacific coast of Canada, 1990–1994

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) eggs were collected during incubation, 1990-1992, from 16 nests near three bleached-kraft pulp mills, from six nests in the Fraser River estuary and from seven nests at a reference site on the Pacific coast of Canada. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were present in all eggs in a qualitatively similar pattern among sites. Mean concentrations of 2,3,7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) were significantly higher in eggs collected from near three kraft pulp mill sites in the Strait of Georgia (44, 45, 84 ng/kg) than from the reference area in Johnstone Strait (15 ng/kg). There were few differences among sites in mean organochlorine pesticide levels, indicating the diffuse distribution of those chemicals and the domination of atmospheric inputs. Mean concentrations of total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were highest in eggs from the Strait of Georgia (4.86 mg/kg) and the PCB congener pattern was significantly different between that area and both the lower Fraser valley and Johnstone Strait. Mean mercury concentrations, which were mainly methyl-mercury, were significantly higher in eggs collected from the lower Fraser Valley (0.258 mg/kg) and Johnstone Strait (0.294 mg/kg) compared to the Strait of Georgia (0.188 mg/kg). Individual and regional variation in concentrations of organochlorine pesticides, PCBs and mercury in eagle eggs were thought to be influenced mainly by dietary differences. Toxicologically, in 1990, mean TCDD-toxic equivalents (TEQs) in bald eagle eggs were about two-fold greater than a lowest-observed-effect level, suggested elsewhere for this species, of 210 ng/kg TEQs. In the Strait of Georgia, PCCDs and PCDFs made a greater contribution to TEQs than non-ortho and mono-ortho PCBs, whereas the reverse was true for eggs outside the strait. Mean eggshell thickness was less than the pre-1947 value at all sites, although there was no significant relationship between eggshell thickness and DDE concentrations. Levels of other organochlorine pesticides and mercury were below those considered to be toxic.

Patterns, Trends, and Toxicological Significance of Chlorinated Hydrocarbon and Mercury Contaminants in Bald Eagle Eggs from the Pacific Coast of Canada, 1990–1994

Patterns, Trends, and Toxicological Significance of Chlorinated Hydrocarbon and Mercury Contaminants in Bald Eagle Eggs from the Pacific Coast of Canada, 1990–1994

Biological effects of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins, dibenzofurans, and biphenyls in bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) chicks

AbstractDuring the1992 breeding season, eggs of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were collected within a gradient of exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbon pollutants, particularly from pulp mill point sources, on the southern coast of British Columbia, Canada. Twenty‐five eggs were placed in a laboratory incubator, of which 18 hatched; chicks were sacrificed within 24 h. Hatching success was not significantly different between eggs taken from pulp mill sites and reference sites. A hepatic cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) cross‐reactive protein was induced nearly sixfold in chicks from near a pulp mill at Powell River compared to those from a reference site (p &lt; 0.05). Hepatic ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) and benzyloxyresorufin O‐dealkylase (BROD) activities were also significantly elevated in chicks from nests located near pulp mills compared to reference sites (p &lt; 0.0005 and p &lt; 0.02, respectively). A hepatic CYP2B cross‐reactive protein was threefold higher in chicks from pulp mill versus reference sites, but the difference was not significant. Residual yolk sacs of eggs collected near pulp mill sites contained greater concentrations of 2,3,7,8‐substituted polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) compared to reference areas. No significant differences in concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), non‐ortho congeners, and organochlorine pesticides occurred among sites. Regressions showed that the hepatic CYP1A cross‐reactive protein and EROD and BROD activities were positively correlated with 2,3,7,8‐TCDD, 2,3,7,8‐TCDF, and toxic equivalents (TEQsWHO—Wrld Health Organization toxic equivalence factors) in yolk sacs. No significant concentration‐related effects were found for morphological, physiological, or histological parameters, such as chick growth, edema, or density of thymic lymphocytes. Using hepatic CYP1A induction as a biomarker, a no‐observed‐effect‐level (NOEL) of 100 ng/kg and a lowest‐observed‐effect‐level (LOEL) of 210 ng/kg TEQsWHO on a whole egg (wet weight basis) are suggested for bald eagle chicks.

Distribution and Population Status of Bald Eagles (&lt;i&gt;Haliaeetus leucocephalus&lt;/i&gt;) in Interior Alaska

We summarize information available on natural history, numbers, distribution, and status of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in six regions of interior Alaska: Upper Yukon, Lower Yukon, Tanana, Kuskokwim, Susitna, and Upper Copper. We identified 347 nesting territories using information from local researchers, a raptor nest atlas, unpublished raptor survey reports, and our own surveys. Nearly 85% of these territories were from the Copper, Susitna, and Tanana drainages. Extrapolating from the number of known nests and approximate survey coverage per drainage, we estimate that 525 to 725 pairs of bald eagles nest in interior Alaska. Observations also suggest that this population has increased substantially since the middle of this century and that numbers in some areas continue to increase. Reasons for these increases may include (1) improving health of individuals in this population; (2) reduced persecution in Alaska and in wintering areas outside the state; (3) immigration into interior Alaska from rebounding or expanding populations elsewhere; and (4) changing environmental conditions (e.g., warmer temperatures). Banding and migration data suggest that part of the population that nests north of the Alaska Range may winter in areas different from those used by populations that nest south of the Alaska Range. No environmental contaminants measured in eggs occurred at concentrations known to result in sublethal or lethal effects, and most organochlorine pesticide and mercury concentrations were an order of magnitude lower than concentrations in bald eagle eggs elsewhere in the United States.

Isolation and determination of methylsulfonyl-PCBs in biological samples by sulfuric acid partitioning, adsorption chromatography and GC-ECD

Methylsulfonyl (MeSO 2) metabolites of polychlorobiphenyl (PCBs) have been shown to be present in humans, in tissues of animals fed with PCBs and in relatively high levels in free living animals such as otter and seals. In addition, serious effects of these compounds have been reported in mice. It is therefore necessary to develop analytical methods for the determination of MeSO 2-PCBs, which can be applied for monitoring purposes. In this contribution the incorporation of the determination of MeSO 2-PCBs in an existing multiresidue method for the determination of chlorinated and brominated pollutants is reported. Aromatic MeSO 2 compounds dissolve in sulphuric acid. In the multiresidue method, sample extracts are initially cleaned up with sulphuric acid. The resulting acid layer, which is usually discarded, contains the MeSO 2 compounds, which are isolated by additional liquid liquid extraction and adsorption chromatography using aluminiumoxide and silica. Recoveries of this procedure for 6 MeSO 2-PCBs and MeSO 2-DDE are in the 75–100% range. The method was applied to Grey seal and otter tissue and White-tailed eagle eggs. Results show intra- and interspecies differences in the patterns of MeSO 2 compounds. It is estimated that levels of MeSO 2-PCBs can amount to between 2 and 10 % of the total PCB levels present in mammals.

Environmental contaminants in bald eagle eggs?1980?84?and further interpretations of relationships to productivity and shell thickness

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) eggs were collected in 15 States in the United States in 1980–1984 and analyzed for organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury. Data were compared and combined with data from earlier studies to examine trends and refine relationships of contaminants to shell thickness and young production. Moderate shell thinning occurred in eggs from several States. The frequency of occurrence of detectable residues of several contaminants declined during 1969–84. DDE concentrations declined significantly in Wisconsin, Maine, and the Chesapeake Bay region. Some other contaminant residues declined, but usually not significantly. During 1980–84, DDE, PCB, and mercury concentrations were highest in eggs from Maine, whereas most contaminant concentrations were lowest in eggs from Arizona. DDE was most closely related to shell thickness and young production at sampled breeding areas. Fifteen percent shell thinning was associated with 16 μg/g DDE (wet weight) for eggs collected early in incubation. Young production was normal when eggs at sampled breeding areas contained < 3.6 μg/g DDE (wet weight), was nearly halved between 3.6 to 6.3 μg/g, and halved again when concentrations exceeded 6.3 μg/g. Several other contaminants were also associated with poor reproduction and eggshell thinning; however, their impact appeared to be secondary to that of DDE and was probably related to their high correlation with DDE. Data relating contaminant concentrations to mean 5-year production are applicable only to breeding areas where eggs are collected after failure to hatch, because such breeding areas are not representative of all nesting bald eagles in a given population.

Environmental Contaminants in Bald Eagles in the Columbia River Estuary

Eggs, blood, and carcasses of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and fish were collected and breeding success of eagles was monitored in the Columbia River estuary, 1980-87, to determine if contaminants were having an effect on productivity. High levels of dichloro diphenyl dichloroethylene (DDE), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) were found in eggs, blood from adults, and 2 eagle carcasses. Detectable levels of DDE and PCB's were found in blood of nestlings indicating they were exposed to these contaminants early in life. Increasing concentrations of DDE and PCB's with age also indicated accumulation of these contaminants. Adult eagles also had higher levels of mercury (Hg) in blood than subadults or young indicating accumulation with age. The high levels of DDE and PCB's were associated with eggshell thinning ([bar x] = 10%) and with productivity ([bar x] = 0.56 young/occupied site) that was lower than that of healthy populations (i.e., [ge]1.00 young/occupied site). DDE and PCB's had a deleterious effect on reproduction of bald eagles in the estuary. The role dioxins play in eagle reproduction remains unclear, but concentrations in eagle eggs were similar to those in laboratory studies on other species where dioxins adversely affected hatchability of eggs. Probable sourcemore » of these contaminants include dredged river sediments and hydroelectric dams, and the proper management of each may reduce the amount of contaminants released into the Columbia River estuary. 46 refs., 1 fig., 4 tabs.« less

Eggshell Thinning and Contaminant Levels in Bald Eagle Eggs from Arizona, 1977 to 1985

Eggshell Thinning and Contaminant Levels in Bald Eagle Eggs from Arizona, 1977 to 1985

Total PCBs and PCB congeners in spanish imperial eagle eggs

The Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila (heliaca) adalberti is the only directly endangered bird of prey in Europe. Lowered reproductive success in numerous bird species has been associated with eggshell thinning and reduced production caused by DDE, the most common organochlorine residue found in wild birds. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are usually the second most common organochlorine pollutant found in wild birds. Research to evaluate the incidence of organochlorine pollutants in the Spanish Imperial Eagle has been previously conducted. The authors have now determined the levels of total PCBs and selected PCB congeners in 34 eggs of Spanish Imperial Eagle collected at Donana National Park, Castile Plateau and Nature Park of Monfrague, since this has considerable significance when attempts are made to correlate the embryonic mortality of avian wildlife with PCB residue levels.

Toxic significance of planar aromatic compounds in Baltic ecosystem — New studies on extremely toxic coplanar PCBs

Baltic salmon and white-tailed eagle samples have been analyzed for organochlorine compounds including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, polychlorinated naphtalenes and toxic coplanar PCBs. In salmon, PCB and DDT residue contents were 0.2-0.3 ug/g in fresh muscle. Chlordanes, toxaphene, hexachlorobenzene, α-hexachlorocyclohexane and γ-hexachlorcyclohexane were found at 1 – 10 ng/g levels. Significant dioxin type of toxins found were only 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (45–81 pg/g) and 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (638–1120 pg/g). Polychloronaphtalene contents in all salmon and eagle samples were of the same order of magnitude ranging from 4 to 85 ng/g. The highest chlorohydrocarbon contents in eagle samples were for PCB 462 ug/g, sum of the DDT residues 42 ug/g, chlordanes 5.7 ug/g and HCB 1.6 ug/g. In contrary, toxaphene, α-hexachlorocyclohexane and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane were not detected in eagles. Levels of polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorodibenzofurans and coplanar PCBs were highest ever reported in wildlife in adult eagle samples, in liver of a juvenile eagle and in eagle egg from South Finland ranging from 1 to 13 ng/g for PCDD/Fs and from 18 to 229 ng/g for coplanar PCBs. Calculation of the TCDD-equivalents of the contents gave that dioxin toxicity load comes in great excess from the coplanar PCBs, especially from 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl.

Organochlorines and Metals in Spanish Imperial Eagle Eggs, 1986–87

Organochlorines and Metals in Spanish Imperial Eagle Eggs, 1986–87