Further declines in organochlorines in eggs of red-breasted mergansers from Lake Michigan, 1977-1978 versus 1990 versus 2002.

From 1977-1978 to 1990, concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and most organochlorine pesticides declined in eggs of red-breasted mergansers (Mergus serrator) nesting on islands in northwestern Lake Michigan. Further declines took place between 1990 and 2002. Between 1977-1978 and 1990 total PCBs decreased 60% (from 21 to 8.

Organochlorine contaminants and biomarker response in double-crested cormorants nesting in Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Wisconsin, USA.

Double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) eggs at pipping and sibling 10-day-old chicks were collected from two colonies in Green Bay, WI, one colony in Lake Michigan, WI, and reference colonies in South Dakota and Minnesota. Egg contents and chicks were analyzed for organochlorine contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners. Livers of embryos and chicks were assayed for hepatic microsomal ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (EROD) activity.

Organochlorine Contaminants in Double-Crested Cormorants from Green Bay,Wisconsin: II. Effects of an Extract Derived from Cormorant Eggs onthe Chicken Embryo.

White Leghorn chicken (Gallus domesticus) eggswere injected prior to incubation with one of four concentrations (0.001,0.01, 0.

Effects of 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl, 2,3,3',4,4'-pentachlorobiphenyl, and 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl on the developing chicken embryo when injected prior to incubation.

Great Lakes waterbird populations have experienced less-than-expected hatchability of eggs and a greater-than-expected incidence of developmental abnormalities. Such deleterious effects have been attributed to polyhalogenated hydrocarbons such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCBs are of primary concern since they are present in significant quantities in the environment.

Polychlorinated biphenyls and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents in eggs of double-crested cormorants from a colony near Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA.

Great Lakes colonial waterbirds have experienced poor reproduction and a greater incidence of birth defects than those in remote areas. An egg was collected from each of 1,000 marked cormorant nests at Spider Island (Lake Michigan). Nine pools comprised of three eggs were randomly selected for instrumental quantification of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) congeners, calculation of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (TEq) and measurement of equivalents by bioassay (TCDD-EQ).