Eggshell thinning and decreased concentrations of vitamin E are associated with contaminants in eggs of ivory gulls

Miljeteig, C; Gabrielsen, GW; Strøm, H; Gavrilo, MV; Lie, E; Jenssen, BM

HERO ID

2150636

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2012

Language

English

PMID

22673175

HERO ID 2150636
In Press No
Year 2012
Title Eggshell thinning and decreased concentrations of vitamin E are associated with contaminants in eggs of ivory gulls
Authors Miljeteig, C; Gabrielsen, GW; Strøm, H; Gavrilo, MV; Lie, E; Jenssen, BM
Journal Science of the Total Environment
Volume 431
Page Numbers 92-99
Abstract The ivory gull is a high Arctic seabird species threatened by climate change and contaminant exposure. High levels of contaminants have been reported in ivory gull Pagophila eburnea eggs from Svalbard and the Russian Arctic. The present study investigated associations between high levels of contaminants (organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) and mercury (Hg)) and three response variables: eggshell thickness, retinol (vitamin A) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E). Negative associations were found between levels of OCPs, PCBs and BFRs and eggshell thickness (p<0.021) and α-tocopherol (p<0.023), but not with retinol (p>0.1). There were no associations between PFASs and mercury and the three response variables. Furthermore, the eggshell thickness was 7-17% thinner in the present study than in archived ivory gull eggs (≤1930). In general, a thinning above 16 to 20% has been associated with a decline in bird populations, suggesting that contaminant-induced eggshell thinning may constitute a serious threat to ivory gull populations globally.
Doi 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.05.018
Pmid 22673175
Wosid WOS:000306887900012
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Scopus URL: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84861744328&doi=10.1016%2fj.scitotenv.2012.05.018&partnerID=40&md5=467373238ecab66506721aac954354d2
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Pagophila eburnea; Retinol; alpha-Tocopherol; Organochlorines; Brominated flame retardants; Perfluorinated alkyl substances