USGS - science for a changing world

Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

UMESC Publications

Exposure and effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting along the Woonasquatucket River, Rhode Island, USA

Custer, C. M., Custer, T. W., Rosiu, C. J., Melancon, M. J., Bickham, J., and Matson, C., 2005, Exposure and effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting along the Woonasquatucket River, Rhode Island, USA: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 24, no. 1, p. 93-109.

Abstract

Concentrations of 2,3,7,8 -tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting along the Woonasquatucket River northwest of Providence (RI, USA) in 2000 and 2001 were some of the highest ever reported in avian tissues. Mean concentrations in eggs ranged from 300 to > 1,000 pg/g wet weight at the two most contaminated ponds, Allendale and Lyman. Mean egg concentrations at Greystone, the upstream reference pond, were 12 and 29 pg/g. Positive accumulation rates and concentrations in diet samples from 12-day-old nestlings indicated that the contamination was accumulated locally. Concentrations in diet of between 71 and 219 pg/g wet weight were more than 6 and 18 times higher than concentrations considered safe for birds (10- 12 pg/g). Hatching success was negatively associated with concentration of TCDD in eggs. Only about half the eggs hatched at Allendale compared with >77% at Greystone. The national average for hatching success in successful nests is 85%. No other contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls and mercury, were present in any sample at concentrations known to affect avian reproduction. Three bioindicators, half-peak coefficient of geometric variation, ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase activity, and brain asymmetry were assessed relative to TCDD contamination.

Keywords

hatching, success, dioxins, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin tree, swallows, Woonasquatucket River, dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated-biphenyls, phalacrocorax auritus, reproductive success, British-Columbia, 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl pcb-126, chlorinated hydrocarbons, ardea herodias, Fox River, Green Bay

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

Take Pride in America logo USA.gov logo U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/documents/publications/2005/custerC_a_2005.html
Page Contact Information: Contacting the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Page Last Modified: January 29, 2016