Persistent organochlorine levels in six prey species of the gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus in Iceland.
Our previous investigations have revealed very high levels of organochlorines (OCs) in the Icelandic gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus, a resident top predator. We now examine six potential prey species of birds, both resident and migratory, in order to elucidate the most likely route of the OCs to the gyrfalcon. The ptarmigan Lagopus mutus, the most important prey of the gyrfalcon, contained very low levels of OCs. Bioaccumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDTs in mallards Anas platyrhynchos, tufted ducks Aythya fuligula, golden plovers Pluvialis apricaria, purple sandpipers Calidris maritima, and black guillemots Cepphus grylle reflected their position in the foodchain. The differences in OC-levels seem nevertheless too high just to reflect the different food-chain levels of these species in Iceland. The winter grounds of the migratory golden plovers and tufted ducks appear to be more contaminated than the Icelandic terrestrial habitat of ptarmigans or the freshwater habitat as reflected in mallards, both resident species. However, spending the winter on the coast in Iceland, results in high levels of contaminants in purple sandpipers and black guillemots. Our results indicate OC contamination of the marine ecosystem in Iceland while the terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems are little affected. It is postulated that gyrfalcons receive the major part of the observed contamination from prey other than ptarmigan, especially birds associated with the marine ecosystem and also from migratory birds.
Olafsdóttir
K
K
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Iceland, POB 8216, IS-128 Reykjavík, Iceland. stinaola@hi.is
Petersen
A E
AE
Magnúsdóttir
E V
EV
Björnsson
T
T
Jóhannesson
T
T
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D004032:Diet; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D020387:Food Chain; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D007306:Insecticides / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D010573:Pesticide Residues; D020304:Raptors; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D007306:Insecticides; D010573:Pesticide Residues