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Birds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Avian and Poultry Biology Reviews
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Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are present throughout the global environment and are produced naturally and by activities of humans. Effects of PAH on birds have been determined by studies employing egg injection, egg immersion, egg shell application, single and multiple oral doses, subcutaneous injection, and chemical analysis of field-collected eggs and tissue. The four-to six-ring aromatic compounds are the most toxic to embryos, young birds, and adult birds. For embryos, effects include death, developmental abnormalities, and a variety of cellular and biochemical responses. For adult and young birds, effects include reduced egg production and hatching, increased clutch or brood abandonment, reduced growth, increased organweights, and a variety of biochemical responses. Trophic level accumulation is unlikely. Environmental exposure to PAH in areas of high human population or habitats affected by recent petroleum spills might be sufficient to adversely affect reproduction. Evidence of long-term effects of elevated concentrations of environmental PAH on bird populations is very limited and the mechanisms of effect are unclear.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Birds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Series title Avian and Poultry Biology Reviews
Volume 17
Issue 4
Year Published 2006
Language English
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description 125-140
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Avian and Poultry Biology Reviews
First page 125
Last page 140
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