Organochlorine contaminants and reproductive success of double-crested cormorants from Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA

T. W. Custer; Christine M. Custer; R. K. Hines; S. Gutreuter; K. L. Stromborg; P. David Allen; M. J. Melancon

doi:10.1002/etc.5620180620

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Organochlorine contaminants and reproductive success of double-crested cormorants from Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA

T. W. Custer·Christine M. Custer·R. K. Hines·S. Gutreuter·K. L. Stromborg·P. David Allen·M. J. Melancon

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Abstract

In 1994 and 1995, nesting success of double-crested cormorants ( Phalacrocorax auritus ) was measured at Cat Island, in southern Green Bay, Lake Michigan, Wisconsin, USA. Sample eggs at pipping and unhatched eggs were collected and analyzed for organochlorines (including total polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs] and DDE), hepatic microsomal ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (EROD) activity in embryos, and eggshell thickness. Of 1,570 eggs laid, 32% did not hatch and 0.4% had deformed embryos. Of 632 chicks monitored from hatching to 12 d of age, 9% were missing or found dead; no deformities were observed. The PCB concentrations in sample eggs from clutches with deformed embryos (mean = 10.2 μg/g wet weight) and dead embryos (11.4 μg/g) were not significantly higher than concentrations in sample eggs from nests where all eggs hatched (12.1 μg/g). A logistic regression of hatching success versus DDE, dieldrin, and PCB concentrations in sibling eggs identified DDE and not dieldrin or PCBs as a significant risk factor. A logistic regression of hatching success versus DDE and eggshell thickness implicated DDE and not eggshell thickness as a significant risk factor. Even though the insecticide DDT was banned in the early 1970s, we suggest that DDE concentrations in double-crested cormorant eggs in Green Bay are still having an effect on reproduction in this species.

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Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 44.55908696946164° to 44.56046297903783° latitude; -88.00248384475707° to -87.99999475479126° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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T. W. Custer, Christine M. Custer, R. K. Hines, S. Gutreuter, K. L. Stromborg, P. David Allen, M. J. Melancon. 1999-06-01. Organochlorine contaminants and reproductive success of double-crested cormorants from Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5620180620

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