Polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, furans, and organochlorine pesticides in belted kingfisher eggs from the upper Hudson River basin, New York, USA

Abstract

Nesting belted kingfishers (hereafter kingfishers, Ceryle alcyon) were studied on the Hudson River near Fort Edward south to New Baltimore (NY, USA) and three nearby river drainages in 2004. Concentrations of 28 organochlorine pesticides, 160 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, and 17 dioxin and furan (PCDD-F) congeners were quantified in kingfisher eggs. The pattern of organochlorine pesticides and PCDD-F congeners did not differ significantly between 14 eggs collected from individual nests on the Hudson River and five eggs similarly collected on three other nearby rivers. In contrast, the pattern of PCB congeners in eggs collected on the Hudson River differed significantly from the other rivers. The differences in patterns of PCB congeners were associated with a higher representation of lower-numbered congeners on the Hudson River than the other rivers. The higher prevalence of the lower-numbered congeners and lower prevalence of the higher-numbered congeners is consistent with Aroclor 1016 and 1242 being the source of the PCBs on the Hudson River. Concentrations in a sample egg collected at each nest were compared to nest survival and egg success (the proportion of eggs hatching in a clutch if at least one egg hatched) of the remaining eggs in the clutch. Models that predicted nest survival and egg success as functions of contaminant levels were poorly distinguished from models that presumed no such associations. Small sample sizes could have contributed to the inability to distinguish among contaminant and no toxicant models. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that contaminant concentrations on the Hudson River were not sufficiently high to demonstrate a relationship between contaminant concentrations and reproductive success in kingfishers.

Polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, furans, and organochlorine pesticides in spotted sandpiper eggs from the upper Hudson River basin, New York

“…The PCB congener pattern in spotted sandpiper eggs was very similar to that reported in belted kingfisher eggs collected on the Hudson River in the same year (Custer et al 2010). In both species, PCB congener concentrations and composition were significantly different on the Hudson River than nearby rivers.…”

“…McCarty and Secord (1999) reported reproductive effects including reduced hatchability due to failure of embryos to develop (presumably infertile), high rates of nest abandonment, and other abnormal parental behavior. In contrast, no association was found between PCB concentrations in eggs and subsequent reproductive success in kingfishers (Ceryle alcyon) nesting on the Hudson River (Custer et al 2010). Small sample sizes (n = B17) could have contributed to the lack of association.…”

“…In both species, PCB congener concentrations and composition were significantly different on the Hudson River than nearby rivers. Additionally, seven of the eight PCB congeners that separated spotted sandpiper eggs between on and off the Hudson River were included in the PCB congener list that separated belted kingfisher eggs on and off the Hudson River (Custer et al 2010).…”

“…Details of the analytical chemistry are provided in Custer et al (2010). In summary, egg samples were analyzed by Axys Analytical Services, Ltd., British Columbia, Canada for PCB congeners, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD-F) congeners, and chlorinated pesticides.…”

Effects of in ovo exposure to 3,3′,4,4′‐tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77) on heart development in tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)

“…The purpose of the present study was to determine whether PCB 77 increased mortality in tree swallows eggs and to assess other impacts of this congener, particularly heart defects in the developing embryo. The Upper Hudson River was considered contaminated based on previous studies and measurements of PCBs in eggs collected from nests in that region [29][30][31]. Embryos in these eggs were considered environmentally exposed and were not dosed with PCB 77 treatments.…”