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Transfer of crude oil from contaminated water to bird eggs

Journal Article · · Environ. Res.; (United States)

Pairs of breeding mallard ducks were exposed to oiled water for 2 days during the first week of incubation. Hatching success of ducks exposed to 100 ml of Prudhoe Bay crude oil per square meter of water surface was significantly less than that of controls. Hatching success of ducks exposed to 5 ml of crude oil per square meter of water surface was less than that of controls but the difference was not significant. The presence of oil on the eggs of ducks exposed to oiled water was confirmed by chemical analysis. Thermocouple probes were used to monitor the egg and nest temperatures of some of the ducks in each of the three groups. Incubation temperatures of oiled females were not significantly different from those of the controls. The incubation behavior of females exposed to oiled water and the first-week survival of their ducklings was not affected by the oil.

Research Organization:
US Fish and Wildlife Service, Laurel, MD
OSTI ID:
7055968
Journal Information:
Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 22:2; ISSN ENVRA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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