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Organochlorines and heavy metals in Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) eggs and chicks from the same clutch

Journal Article · · Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01700394· OSTI ID:7244274
 [1];  [2]
  1. Institut fur Vogelforschung Vogelwarte Helgoland (West Germany)
  2. Veterinaeruntersuchungsamt, Oldenburg (West Germany)

In an earlier paper the authors investigated the intraclutch variability in levels of toxic pollutants and compared this contamination with that of the female Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) after production of the clutch in question. In the present study, they examine the concentrations of contaminants in chicks as compared with one egg of the same clutch. Such studies are important with regard to the question as to which ontogenetic stage is most endangered by toxic pollutants. Some investigations concerning this problem have already been carried out, but they don't refer to samples taken from the same clutches. Chicks receive contaminants mainly from two sources: from the egg, which reflects directly the contamination of the breeding female as well as from the food. Moreover the concentrations of pollutants in chicks vary with growth-dependent body distribution and with a decline of the lipid content.

OSTI ID:
7244274
Journal Information:
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; (USA), Journal Name: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; (USA) Vol. 42:5; ISSN 0007-4861; ISSN BECTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English