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Trace element and organochlorine concentrations in California clapper rail (Rallus longirostris obsoletus) eggs

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00212268

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Abstract

Trace contaminant concentrations were measured in eggs of endangered California clapper rails (Rallus longirostris obsoletus) collected from San Francisco Bay during 1975, 1986, and 1987, and in clapper rail eggs (R. l. waynei) from North Carolina during 1987. Residues of 10 detected organochlorines (OC) were low and decreased by 2 to 3-fold from 1975 to 1986–1987 for San Francisco Bay samples, whereas eggshell thickness remained unchanged and comparable to eggs collected prior to 1940. Mercury (Hg) concentrations in eggs from San Francisco Bay were higher than those from North Carolina, and comparable to concentrations associated with reproductive effects in other avian species. Selenium (Se) concentrations in eggs from San Francisco Bay were also higher than those from North Carolina, and were highest in a north San Francisco Bay marsh adjacent to an oil refinery. Individual Se concentrations were slightly lower than values associated with embryotoxicity in other rallids. We recommend additional research on the effects of these and other contaminants on California clapper rails and the restoration of rail habitat.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Trace element and organochlorine concentrations in California clapper rail (Rallus longirostris obsoletus) eggs
Series title Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
DOI 10.1007/BF00212268
Volume 23
Issue 2
Year Published 1992
Language English
Publisher Springer
Description 7 p.
First page 147
Last page 153
Country United States
State California
County Alameda County, Costra Costa County, Napa County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County
Other Geospatial San Francisco Bay
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