Effects of environmental exposure and diet on levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in eggs of a top predator in the North Atlantic in 1980 and 2008

• Published in: Environmental Pollution
• Main Authors: Leat, E.H.K., Bourgeon, S., Borgå, K., Strøm, H., Hanssen, S.A., Gabrielsen, G.W., Petersen, A., Olafsdottir, K., Magnusdottir, E., Fisk, A.T., Ellis, S., Bustnes, J.O., Furness, R.W.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Great skua; North Atlantic
• Online Access: https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/53056/; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2011.01.036

Concentrations of POPs in Great skua eggs from Shetland are among the highest in North Atlantic seabirds, with up to 11,600 mu g/kg (ww) DDE and up to 17,900 mu g/kg ww Sigma PCB. Concentrations of legacy POPs were significantly lower in 2008 than 1980. Decreases were greatest for least persistent compounds. Median Sigma PBDEs increased from 99 mu g/kg ww in 1980 to 173 mu g/kg ww in 2008. There were changes in Great skua breeding season diet, with more adult Herring and Mackerel and less Sandeel. These changes increase exposure to POPs, since Herring and Mackerel accumulate more POPs than Sandeels. In both years, eggs with higher delta(15)N had higher POP concentrations. In 1980, birds feeding more on demersal discard fish from trawl fisheries and less on Sandeels, had higher POP levels in eggs. In 2008, individuals feeding more on Herring and Mackerel, and less on discards, had higher POP levels in eggs.