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Title: Reproduction and environmental contamination in tree swallows nesting in the Fox River drainage and Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA

Journal Article · · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
;  [1]; ;  [2];  [3]
  1. Geological Survey, LaCrosse, WI (United States). Biological Resources Div.
  2. Fish and Wildlife Service, Green Bay, WI (United States). Ecological Services Div.
  3. Geological Survey, Laurel, MD (United States)

Concentration, accumulation, and effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on reproduction in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) were studied at four sites in the Fox River drainage and in Green Bay, Lake Michigan, Wisconsin, USA, in 1994 and 1995. Total PCBs in eggs and newly hatched young and 12-d-old nestlings at two contaminated sites (Kidney Island and Arrowhead) were higher than concentrations at two reference sites. Concentrations of 11 PCB congeners were also higher at contaminated compared to reference sites. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) accumulated in nestlings at a higher rate at contaminated sites compared to reference locations. Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) was the only other organochlorine found in all samples; concentrations for all samples averaged {le}0.20 {micro}g/g wet weight. Total PCBs and p,p{prime}-DDE concentrations did not differ among clutches where all eggs hatched, some eggs hatched, and no eggs hatched.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
675418
Journal Information:
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Vol. 17, Issue 9; Other Information: PBD: Sep 1998
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English