Effects of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans on nesting wood ducks (Aix sponsa) at Bayou Meto, Arkansas

Journal Article · Mon May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Environmental Health Perspectives

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3432410· OSTI ID:482349

White, D H ^[1]; Hoffman, D J ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Georgia, Athens, GA (United States)
2. Patuxent Environmental Sciences Center, Laurel, MD (United States)

Wood ducks (Aix sponsa) nesting along Bayou Meto downstream from a hazardous waste site in central Arkansas were contaminated with polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Residues in eggs, based on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (TCDD-EQ), ranged up to 611 parts per trillion (ppt), and egg arithmetic means were 90-fold higher at the site nearest the point source compared with a reference site. We monitored productivity of wood ducks in artificial nest boxes at three sites on the bayou and at a reference site on a separate drainage during 1988-1990. Productivity was suppressed (p<0.05) at the bayou sites compared with the reference site, and egg TCDD-EQs were inversely correlated (p<0.001) with productivity in corresponding nests. The threshold range of toxicity, where reduced productivity was evident in wood ducks (based on TCDD-EQs), was >20 to 50 ppt. Oxidative stress and teratogenic effects occurred in ducklings at the more contaminated nesting sites nearest the point source. These findings suggest that wood ducks may be more sensitive to PCDD and PCDF contamination than some other aquatic birds and could serve as an indicator species for monitoring biological impacts from these contaminants. 21 refs., 4 tabs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 482349
• Journal Information: Environmental Health Perspectives, Journal Name: Environmental Health Perspectives Journal Issue: Suppl.4 Vol. 103; ISSN 0091-6765; ISSN EVHPAZ
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
BENZOFURANS
DIOXIN
DRAINAGE
DUCKS
EGGS
HABITAT
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
MONITORING
NESTS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
TOXICITY
WASTE DISPOSAL
WATER POLLUTION