Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Contaminants in Grebes and Seaducks Wintering on the Coast of British Columbia, Canada: 1988–1993

  • Published:
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Grebe and seaduck species were collected during late winter at industrial and reference sites along coastal British Columbia, and during spring migration in the Yukon Territory, from 1988 to 1993. Liver and/or breast muscle were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine (OC) pesticides, and chlorophenol-related compounds. Piscivorous species, including western grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and common mergansers (Mergus merganser), contained highest levels of all contaminants. DDE and PCBs were detectable in all species analyzed, but were at low levels (<50 and 100 μg/kg [sum PCBs] wet weight, respectively) in all but some grebe and merganser samples. Highest DDE concentration (229 μg/kg) was in liver of common mergansers collected at Port Alberni in 1989, and that of PCB (2300 μg/kg) in breast muscle of western grebes collected in 1992 from the same site. The interspecific PCDD/PCDF pattern was similar to that of the OC pesticides and PCBs, with the fish-eating species containing highest concentrations. The only congener detected in all samples was 2,3,7,8-TCDF, although 2,3,7,8-TCDD was regularly present. Generally, of all samples collected in 1989, those from the bleached-kraft pulp mill (BKPM) site at Port Alberni were the most contaminated with PCDDs and PCDFs. Of the chlorophenolic compounds measured, only pentachlorophenol was routinely detected, typically at levels below 5 μg/kg. Traces of 3,4,5,6-tetrachloroguaiacol, 5-chloroguaiacol and 4,5-dichloroguaiacol were also detected in a few samples, mainly from a BKPM site at Prince Rupert. By 1992, after changes to pulp mill bleaching processes and restrictions in chlorophenolic anti-sapstain use, PCDD and PCDF concentrations were substantially lower compared to 1989 in all species sampled and no longer posed a concern for human consumers. International TCDD-toxic equivalents (I-TEQs) in some western grebe samples were within the range of concentrations associated with sublethal effects in waterbird species (200–400 ng/kg).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahlborg, U. G., Becking, G. C., Birnbaum, L. S., Brouwer, A., Derks, H. J., Feeley, M., Golor, G., Hanberg, A., Larsen, J. C., Liem, A. K. D., Safe, S. H., Schlatter, C., Waern, F., Younes, M. and Yrjanheikki, E.: 1994, ‘Toxic equivalency factors for dioxin-like PCBs’, Chemosphere 28, 1049–1067.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anthony, R. G., Garrett, M. J. and Schuler, C. A.: 1993, ‘Environmental contaminants in bold eagles in the Columbia River estuary’, J. Wildl. Manage. 57, 10–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beeman, D. K. and Augspurger, T.: 1996, ‘Dioxins and furans in wood duck eggs from the lower Roanoke River, North Carolina’, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv., Raleigh, NC, Rep. No., 27 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bosveld, A. T. C., Gradener, J., Murk, A. J., Brouwer, A., Van Kampen, M., Evers, E. H. G. and Van den Berg, M.: 1994, ‘Effects of PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs in common tern (Sterna hirundo) breeding in estuarine and coastal colonies in The Netherlands and Belgium’, Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 14, 99–115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Braune, B. M. and Norstrom, R. J.: 1989, ‘Dynamics of organochlorine compounds in herring gulls. III. Tissue distribution and bioaccumulation in Lake Ontario gulls’, Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 8, 957–968.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brunstrom, B.: 1990, ‘Toxicity and EROD-inducing potency of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in avian embryos’, Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 100C, 241–243.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brunstrom, B. and Reutergardh, L.: 1986, ‘Differences in sensitivity of some avian species to the embryotoxicity of a PCB, 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl injected into eggs’, Environ. Pollut. 42, 37–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, R. W., Dawe, H. K., McTaggert-Cowan, I., Cooper, J. M., Kaiser, G. W. and McNall, M. C. E.: 1990, The Birds of British Columbia, Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, BC, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Champoux, L.: 1996, ‘PCBs, dioxins and furans in hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus), common merganser (Mergus merganser) and mink (Mustela vision) collected along the St. Maurice River near La Tuque, Quebec’, Environ. Pollut. 92, 147–153.

    Google Scholar 

  • Colodey, A. G. and Wells, P. G.: 1992, ‘Effects of pulp and paper mill effluents on estuarine and marine ecosystems in Canada: a review’, J. Aquat. Ecosys. Health 1, 201–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Czuczwa, J. M. and Hites, R. M.: 1984, ‘Environmental fate of combustion-generated polychlorinated dioxins and furans’, Environ. Sci. Technol. 18, 444–450.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ehrlich, P. R., Dobkin, D. S. and Wheye, D.: 1988, The Birder's Handbook: A field guide to the natural history of North American birds, Simon and Schuster, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, J. E. and Noble, D. G.: ‘Chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminants in marine birds of the temperate North Pacific’, in: Vermeer, K., Briggs,, K. T. and Morgan, K. H. (eds.): The Status, Ecology and Conservation of Marine Birds of the North Pacific, Can. Widl. Serv. Spec. Publ., Ottawa, pp. 242–253.

  • Elliott, J. E., Butler, R.W., Nostrom, R. J. and Whitehead, P. E.: 1989, ‘Environmental contaminants and reproductive success of great blue herons Ardea herodias in British Columbia, 1986-87’, Environ. Pollut. 59, 91–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, J. E., Noble, D. G., Norstrom, R. J., Whitehead, P. E., Simon, M., Pearce, P. A. and Peakall, D. B.: 1992, ‘Patterns and trends of organic contaminants in Canadian seabird eggs, 1968-1990’, in: Walker, C. R. and Livingstone, D. R. (eds.): Persistent Pollutants in Marine Ecosystems, Pergamon, U.K, pp. 181–194.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, J. E., Whitehead, P. E., Martin, P. A., Bellward, G. D. and Norstrom, R. J.: 1991a. ‘Persistent pulp mill pollutants in wildlife’, pp. 297–313 in Servos, M. R., Munkittrick, K. R., Carey, J. H. and Van der Kraak, G. J. (eds.): Environmental fate and effects of pulp and paper mill effluents, St. Lucie Press, Delray Beach, FL., pp. 297-313.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, J. E., Norstrom, R. J. and Smith, G. E. J.: 1996b, ‘Patterns, trends, and toxicological significance of chlorinated hydrocarbon and mercury contaminants in bald eagle eggs from the Pacific coast of Canada, 1990-1994’, Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 31, 354–367.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, J. E., Norstrom, R. J., Lorenzen, A., Hart, L. E., Philibert, H., Kennedy, S. W., Stegeman, J. J., Bellward, G. D. and Cheng, K. M.: 1996c, ‘Biological effects of polychlorinated dibenzo-p- dioxins, dibenzofurans, and biphenyls in bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) chicks’, Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 15, 782–793.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, J. E., Wilson, L. K., Langelier, K. W. and Norstrom, R. J.: 1996b, ‘Bald eagle mortality and chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminants in livers from British Columbia, Canada, 1989-dy1994’, Environ. Pollut. 94, 9–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilbertson, M., Elliott, J. E. and Peakall, D. B.: 1987, ‘Seabirds as indicators of marine pollution’, in: Diamond, A. W. and Filion, F. L. (eds.) The Value of Birds, International Council for Bird Preservation, Tech. Publ. No. 6, Cambridge, UK, pp. 231–245.

  • Goudie, R. I., Brault, S., Conant, B., Kondratyev, A. V., Petersen, M. R. and Vermeer, K.: 1994, ‘The status of seaducks in the North Pacific rim: toward their conservation and management’, Trans. 59th No. Am. Wildl. and Natur. Resour. Conf., pp. 27–49.

  • Harfenist, A., Whitehead, P. E., Cretney, W. J. and Elliott, J. E.: 1995, ‘Food chain sources of polychlorinated dioxins and furans to great blue herons (Ardea herodias) foraging in the Fraser River estuary, British Columbia’, Can. Wildl. Serv. Tech. Rep. Ser., No. 169, 26 pp.

  • Hart, L. E., Cheng, K. M., Whitehead, P. E., Shah, R. M., Lewis, R. J., Ruschkowski, S. R., Blair, R. W., Bennet, D. C., Bandiera, S. M., Norstrom, R. J. and Bellward, G. D.: 1991, ‘Dioxin contamination and growth and development in great blue heron embryos’, J. Toxicol. Environ. Health 32, 331–344.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hebert, C. E., Norstrom, R. J., Simon, M., Braune, B. M., Weseloh, D. V. and MacDonald, C. R.: 1994, ‘Temporal trends and sources of PCDDs and PCDFs in the Great Lakes: herring gull egg monitoring’, Environ. Sci. Technol. 28, 1268–1277.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heinz, G. H., Miller, D. S., Ebert, B. J. and Stromborg, K. L.: 1994, ‘Declines in organochlorines in eggs of red-breasted mergansers from Lake Michigan, 1977-78 versus 1990’, Environ. Monit. Assess. 33(3), 175–182.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henny, C. J., Rudis, D. D., Roffe, T. J. and Robinson-Wilson, E.: 1995, ‘Contaminants and sea ducks in Alaska and the circumpolar region’, Environ. Health Perspect. 103, 41–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman, D. J., Rattner, B. A., Bunk, C. M., Krynitsky, A., Ohlendorf, H. H. and Lowe, R.W.: 1986, ‘Association between PCBs and lower embryonic weight in black-crowned night herons in San Francisco bay’, J. Toxicol. Environ. Health 19, 383–391.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman, D. J., Smith, G. J. and Rattner, B. A.: 1993, ‘Biomarkers of contaminant exposure in common terms and black-crowned night herons in the Great Lakes’, Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 12, 1095–1103.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kozie, K. D. and Anderson, R. K.: 1991, ‘Productivity, diet and environmental contaminants in bald eagles nesting near the Wisconsin shoreline of Lake Superior’, Archiv. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 18, 706–722.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kubiak, T. J., Harris, H. J., Smith, L. M., Schwartz, T. R., Stalling, D. L., trick, J. A., Sileo, L., Docherty, D. E. and Erdman, T. C.: 1989. ‘Microcontaminants and reproductive impairment of the Forster's tern on Green Bay, Lake Michigan-1983’, Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 18, 706–727.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luthe, C. E., Berry, R. M., Voss, R. H. and Fleming, B. I.: 1990, ‘Dioxins and furans in pulp: mill questions-research answers’, Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada, Misc. Rep. 175, 15 pp.

  • Norstrom, R. J., Riseborough, R.W. and Cartwright, D. J.: 1976, ‘Elimination of chlorinated dibenzofurans associated with polychlorinated biphenyls fed to mallards (Anas platyrhynchos)’, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 37, 217–228.

    Google Scholar 

  • Norstrom, R. J. and Simon, M.: 1983, ‘Preliminary appraisal of tetra-to octachlorodibenzodioxin contamination in eggs of various species of wildlife in Canada’, in: Miyamoto, J. (ed.) IUPAC Pesticide Chemistry: Human Welfare and the Environment, Pergamon Press, Oxford, pp. 165–170.

    Google Scholar 

  • Norstrom, R. J., Simon, M., Muir, D.C. G. and Schweinsburg, R.: 1988, ‘Organochlorine contaminants in Arctic marine food chains: identification, geographical distribution and temporal trends in polar bears’, Environ. Sci. Technol. 22, 1063–1071.

    Google Scholar 

  • Norstrom, R. J., Simon, M. and Muir, D. C. G.: 1990, ‘Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in marine mammals in the Canadian north’, Environ. Pollut. 66, 1–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peterson, R. E., Theobold, H. M. and Kimmel, G. L.: 1993, ‘Developmental and reproductive toxicity of dioxins and related compounds: cross species comparisons’, Crit. Rev. Toxicol. 23, 283–335.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramel, C.: 1978, ‘Chlorinated phenoxy acids and their dioxins’, Ecol. Bull. 27, Stockholm, 302 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Safe, S.: 1990, ‘Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and related compounds: environmental and mechanistic considerations which support the development of toxic equivalency factors (TEFs)’, Crit. Rev. Toxicol. 13, 319–369.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanderson, J. T., Norstrom, R. J., Elliott, J. E., Hart, L. E., Cheng, K. M. and Bellward, G. D.: 1994a, ‘Biological effects of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and biphenyls in double-crested cormorant chicks (Phalacrocorax auritus)’, J. Toxicol Environ Health 14, 247–265.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanderson, J. T., Elliott, J. E., Norstrom, R. J., Whitehead, P. E., Hart, L. E., Cheng, K. M. and Bellward, G. D.: 1994b, ‘Monitoring biological effects of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and diphenyls in great blue heron chicks (Ardea herodias) in British Columbia’, J. Toxicol. Environ. Health 41, 435–450.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scheuhammer, A. S.: 1987, ‘The chronic toxicity of aluminum, cadmium, mercury and lead in birds: a review’, Environ. Pollut. 46, 263–295.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tillitt, D. E., Ankley, G. T., Giesy, J. P., Ludwig, J. P., Kurita-Matsuba, H., Weseloh, D. V., Ross, P. S., Bishop, C. A., Sileo, L., Stromborg, K. L., Larson, J. and Kubiak, T. J.: 1992, ‘Polychlorinated biphenyl residues and eggmortality in double-crested cormorants from the Great Lakes’, Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 11, 1281–1288.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van den Berg, M., Blank, F., Heeremans, C., Wagenaar, H. and Olie, K.: 1987, ‘Presence of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in fish-eating birds and fish from The Netherlands’, Archiv. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 16, 149–158.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van den Berg, M., Craane, B. L., Sinnige, T., Van Mourik, S., Dirksen, S., Boudewijn, T., Van der Gaag, M., Lutke-Schipholt, B., Spenkelink, B. and Brouwer, A.: 1994, ‘Biochemical and toxic effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in the cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) after in ovo exposure’, Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 13, 803–816.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vermeer, K., Cretney, W. J., Elliott, J. E., Norstrom, R. J. and whitehead, P. E.: 1993, ‘Elevated polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and dibenzofuran concentrations in grebes, ducks and their prey near Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada’, Marine Pollut. Bull. 26, 431–435.

    Google Scholar 

  • White, D. H. and Seginak, J. T.: 1994, ‘Dioxin and furans linked to reproductive impairment in wood ducks’, J. Wildl. Manage. 58, 100–106.

    Google Scholar 

  • White, D. H. and Hoffman, D. J.: 1995, ‘Effects of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans on nesting wood ducks (Aix sponsa) at Bayou Meto, Arkansas’, Environ. Health Perspect. 103, 37–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Whitehead, P. E., Elliott, J. E., Norstrom, R. J. and Vermeer, K.: 1990, ‘PCDD and PCDF contamination of waterfowl in the Strait of Georgia British Columbia, Canada: 1989-1990’, Organohalogen Compounds 1, 459–462.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, L. L., Giesy, J. P., Verbrugge, D. A., Jurzysta, S. and Stromborg, K.: 1995a, ‘Polychlorinated biphenyls and 2,3,7,8-terachlorodibenzopdioxin equivalents in eggs of double-crested cormorants from a colony near Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA’, Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 29, 327–333.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, L. L., Giesy, J. P., Verbrugge, D. A., Jurzysta, S., Heinz, G. and Stromborg, K.: 1995b, ‘Polychlorinated biphenyls and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents in eggs of red-breasted mergansers near Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA, in 1977-78 and 1990’, Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 29, 52–60.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, 5421 Robertson Road, Delta, British Columbia, V4K 3N2, Canada

    John E. Elliott

  2. Prairie Avitox, RR#8–40–9, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4P4, Canada

    Pamela A. Martin

Authors
  1. John E. Elliott
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Pamela A. Martin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Elliott, J.E., Martin, P.A. Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Contaminants in Grebes and Seaducks Wintering on the Coast of British Columbia, Canada: 1988–1993. Environ Monit Assess 53, 337–362 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005858800029

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005858800029

Keywords

Search

Navigation