Organochlorine contaminants in the American White Pelican breeding at Pyramid Lake, Nevada

Waterbirds
By: , and 

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Abstract

Reproductive success of the American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) was monitored at a breeding colony on Anaho Island, Pyramid Lake, Nevada in 1996. Eggs were collected in 1988 and 1996 and analyzed for organochlorine pesticides (OCs) and total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Muscle from adults found dead or debilitated and euthanized, fishes from representative feeding areas and regurgitated fish samples from nestlings were also analyzed for OCs and PCBs. Reproductive success at the breeding colony was normal in 1996 based on hatching rates of eggs (≥79% in undisturbed areas) and survival of nestlings. Organochlorine pesticide and PCB concentrations in eggs were below known effect levels on reproduction. DDE concentrations in eggs from Anaho Island declined between 1988 and 1996. Eggshell thickness for the Anaho colony was significantly lower (6%) than the pre-OC norm, but the level of thinning was less than that associated with population declines. OCs and PCBs were seldom detected in fish.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Organochlorine contaminants in the American White Pelican breeding at Pyramid Lake, Nevada
Series title Waterbirds
DOI 10.1675/1524-4695(2005)28[95:OCITAW]2.0.CO;2
Volume 28
Issue sp1
Year Published 2005
Language English
Publisher BioOne
Description 7 p.
First page 95
Last page 101
Country United States
State Nevada
Other Geospatial Anaho Island, Pelican Lake
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