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 8.5 microg/g, wet weight). An additional decline of 46% took place between 1990 and 2002 (8.5 to 4.6 microg/g). Between 1977-1978 and 1990 p,p (')-DDE decreased 66% (from 6.5 to 2.2 microg/g), and from 1990 to 2002 an additional decline of 36% took place (from 2.2 to 1.4 microg/g). Between 1977-1978 and 1990 dieldrin decreased only 16% (from 0.82 to 0.69 microg/g), but from 1990 to 2002 a 96% decrease occurred (from 0.69 to 0.03 microg/g).
Heinz
Gary H
GH
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA. gheinz@usgs.gov
Stromborg
Kenneth L
KL
D000818:Animals; D046090:Anseriformes / Q000502:physiology*; D004531:Eggs / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000032:analysis*; D008824:Michigan; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls