MP12 Organic, Metallic, Organometallic Pollutants
Monday, 14 November 2005: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM in Exhibit Hall

(DAU-1117-807746) PCB and PBDE accumulation in great tit (Parus major) eggs and nestlings.

Dauwe, T.¹, Jaspers, V.L.B.¹, Covaci, A.², Eens, M.¹, ¹ University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Ethology² University of Antwerp, Toxicological Centre

ABSTRACT- Polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs) are a major class of pollutants that have attracted much attention from ecotoxicologists. Although the production and use of some PHAHs was banned, such as PCBs, high concentrations are still being found. Polybrominated diethyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of brominated compounds that are being used as flame retardants in numeruous applications. Since 1990, PBDEs are being found in increasing concentrations in the environment. The lipophilic characteristic and low biodegradability of PHAHs, render species high on the food chain particularly susceptible. Increasingly however, also insectivorous passerines are being used as sentinel species for PHAH contamination. In this study we examined the levels of PCBs and PBDEs in great tit (Parus major) eggs, nestlings and Lepidoptera larvae, the main food item of nestlings. In two study sites near Antwerp (Belgium), we collected 1 egg and 3 nestlings (5, 10 and 15 days post-hatching) from 22 nests in total. Concentrations and profiles of different PCB and PBDE congeners will be compared. Results will be presented at the conference.

Key words: polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diethyl ethers, passerines, eggs