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Custer CM, Dummer PM, Etterson MA, Haselman JT, Schultz S, Karouna-Renier N, Matson C. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Duluth, Minnesota Area: Exposure to and Biomarker Responses in Tree Swallows Relative to Known Fire-Fighting Foam Sources. TOXICS 2024; 12:660. [PMID: 39330588 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12090660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Tree swallow nest boxes were deployed at sites proximal to two putative aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) sources in the Duluth, MN area, as well as along the St. Louis River and a reference lake for comparative purposes in 2019, 2020 and 2021. The two AFFF sites were the current Duluth Air National Guard Base (ANG) and the Lake Superior College Emergency Response Training Center. Between 13 and 40 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), depending on year, were detected and quantified in tree swallow egg, nestling carcasses, and stomach contents. Assessments were made of oxidative stress and ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase activity in liver tissue, thyroid hormone levels in plasma and thyroid glands, DNA damage in red blood cells, and two measures of immune response (haptoglobin-like activity and immunoglobulin) in plasma of the nestlings. Additionally, other contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, legacy organochlorine pesticides, and trace elements, were assessed at sites with no previous data. Total egg PFAS concentrations at the ANG site and north of that site were 30-40 times higher than at the reference lake, while nestling PFAS concentrations were 10-15 times higher. In contrast, the St. Louis River sites had slightly, but non-statistically significant, elevated egg and nestling PFAS concentrations relative to the reference lake (2-5 times higher). One PFAS, perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), was higher, as a proportion of total PFAS, at sites with a known AFFF source compared to the reference lake, as well as compared to sites along the St. Louis River with mainly urban and industrial sources of PFAS. The ratio of total carboxylates to total sulfonates also distinguished between PFAS sources. There were few to no differences in biomarker responses among sites, and no association with PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Custer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, WI 54603, USA
| | - Paul M Dummer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, WI 54603, USA
| | - Matthew A Etterson
- U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN 55804, USA
| | - Jonathan T Haselman
- U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN 55804, USA
| | - Sandra Schultz
- Eastern Ecological Science Center at Patuxent, U.S. Geological Survey, 12100 Beech Forest Rd., Laurel, MD 20708, USA
| | - Natalie Karouna-Renier
- Eastern Ecological Science Center at Patuxent, U.S. Geological Survey, 12100 Beech Forest Rd., Laurel, MD 20708, USA
| | - Cole Matson
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
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Custer CM, Custer TW, Dummer PM, Schultz S, Karouna-Renier N, Tseng CY, Matson CW. Exposure to and Biomarker Responses From Legacy and Emerging Contaminants Along Three Drainages in the Milwaukee Estuary, Wisconsin, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 38376364 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Legacy contaminants and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) were assessed in tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) tissue and diet samples from three drainages in the Milwaukee estuary, Wisconsin, USA, to understand exposures and possible biomarker responses. Two remote Wisconsin lakes were assessed for comparative purposes. Bioaccumulative classes of contaminants, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, while at higher concentrations than the reference lakes, did not vary significantly among sites or among the three drainages. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were assessed in diet and sediment and were from primarily pyrogenic sources. Ten biomarkers were assessed relative to contaminant exposure. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were elevated above reference conditions at all Milwaukee sites but did not correlate with any measured biomarker responses. Only one site, Cedarburg, just downstream from a Superfund site, had elevated PCBs compared to other sites in the Milwaukee estuary. Few non-organochlorine insecticides or herbicides were detected in tree swallow liver tissue, except for the atrazine metabolite desethylatrazine. Few pharmaceuticals and personal care products were detected in liver tissue except for N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, iopamidol, and two antibiotics. The present study is one of the most comprehensive assessments to date, along with the previously published Maumee River data, on the exposure and effects of a wide variety of CECs in birds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-22. © 2024 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Custer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin
| | - Thomas W Custer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin
| | - Paul M Dummer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin
| | - Sandra Schultz
- Eastern Ecological Science Center-Patuxent, US Geological Survey, Laurel, Maryland
| | | | - Chi Yen Tseng
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University Waco, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Cole W Matson
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University Waco, Waco, Texas, USA
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Ankley GT, Corsi SR, Custer CM, Ekman DR, Hummel SL, Kimbrough KL, Schoenfuss HL, Villeneuve DL. Assessing Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the Great Lakes Ecosystem: A Decade of Method Development and Practical Application. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:2506-2518. [PMID: 37642300 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Assessing the ecological risk of contaminants in the field typically involves consideration of a complex mixture of compounds which may or may not be detected via instrumental analyses. Further, there are insufficient data to predict the potential biological effects of many detected compounds, leading to their being characterized as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Over the past several years, advances in chemistry, toxicology, and bioinformatics have resulted in a variety of concepts and tools that can enhance the pragmatic assessment of the ecological risk of CECs. The present Focus article describes a 10+- year multiagency effort supported through the U.S. Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to assess the occurrence and implications of CECs in the North American Great Lakes. State-of-the-science methods and models were used to evaluate more than 700 sites in about approximately 200 tributaries across lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior, sometimes on multiple occasions. Studies featured measurement of up to 500 different target analytes in different environmental matrices, coupled with evaluation of biological effects in resident species, animals from in situ and laboratory exposures, and in vitro systems. Experimental taxa included birds, fish, and a variety of invertebrates, and measured endpoints ranged from molecular to apical responses. Data were integrated and evaluated using a diversity of curated knowledgebases and models with the goal of producing actionable insights for risk assessors and managers charged with evaluating and mitigating the effects of CECs in the Great Lakes. This overview is based on research and data captured in approximately about 90 peer-reviewed journal articles and reports, including approximately about 30 appearing in a virtual issue comprised of highlighted papers published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry or Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2506-2518. © 2023 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald T Ankley
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota
| | - Steven R Corsi
- Upper Midwest Water Science Center, US Geological Survey, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Christine M Custer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin
| | - Drew R Ekman
- Ecosystem Processes Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia
| | - Stephanie L Hummel
- Great Lakes Regional Office, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bloomington, Minnesota
| | - Kimani L Kimbrough
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Heiko L Schoenfuss
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA
| | - Daniel L Villeneuve
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota
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Buytaert J, Eens M, Elgawad HA, Bervoets L, Beemster G, Groffen T. Associations between PFAS concentrations and the oxidative status in a free-living songbird (Parus major) near a fluorochemical facility. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122304. [PMID: 37543069 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
For the past 7 decades, PFAS have been used in many different products and applications, which has led to a widespread contamination of these compounds. Nevertheless at present, little is known about the effects of these compounds on avian wildlife. Therefore, this study investigated associations between PFAS concentrations in the plasma and the oxidative status (i.e. non-enzymatic antioxidants and biomarkers of oxidative stress) in great tits at two sites near a fluorochemical manufacturing facility. Different PFAS were detected in the blood plasma with a mean ΣPFAS of 16062 pg/μL at the site closest to the facility. The PFAS profile in the plasma consisted mainly of PFOS, PFOA, PFDA and PFDoDA, where concentrations were higher for these compounds at the site closest to the plant. Our results show a clear link between PFAS and the antioxidant status of the birds; total antioxidant capacity and peroxidase activity were higher near the plant site, while the glutaredoxin activity was higher further away. Additionally, positive associations were found between PFDoDA and glutathione-S-transferase activity, between PFOS and glutathione-S-transferase activity, between PFDA and peroxidase activity, and between PFOS and peroxidase activity. Lastly, a negative association was found between plasma PFDA concentrations and the total polyphenol content. Interestingly, malondialdehyde levels did not differ between sites, suggesting lipid peroxidation was not affected. Although our results suggest that great tits with elevated PFAS concentrations did not suffer oxidative damage, the antioxidant defence responses were significantly triggered by PFAS exposure. This implies that the great tits have managed to defend themselves against the possible oxidative damage coming from PFAS contamination, although the upregulated antioxidant defences may have fitness costs. Further, experiments are needed to investigate the specific mechanisms by which PFAS induce oxidative stress in avian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie Buytaert
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Marcel Eens
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Hamada Abd Elgawad
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerpen, Belgium.
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Gerrit Beemster
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerpen, Belgium.
| | - Thimo Groffen
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Hopkins KE, McKinney MA, Letcher RJ, Fernie KJ. The influence of environmental and ecological factors on the accumulation and distribution of short- and long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids in a mid-trophic avian insectivore. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 321:121133. [PMID: 36690292 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) include perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (PFDS), as well as increasingly used alternative short-chain perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) and short- and long-chain (≥C9) perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). In the present study, tissues of tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) from two sites in southern Ontario, Canada, were analyzed for 17 individual PFAAs and showed egg and nestling tissue (liver, carcass) profiles dominated by PFOS (57-66%). The remaining PFAAs contributed ≤7% each, although collectively the long-chain PFCAs comprised 21-29% of the PFAAs. The short-chain PFSAs and PFCAs were among the lowest concentrations, suggesting that despite increased production and use of these alternative PFAAs, they are not accumulated to the same extent as the long-chain PFSAs and PFCAs. PFOS, PFDS, and some long-chain PFCAs were significantly higher in eggs than in livers and carcasses, whereas PFOA and the two short-chain PFCAs were significantly higher in nestling tissues than in eggs. For the two short-chain PFSAs, concentrations were similar among tissues. Tree swallow tissues at the site near a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) outfall showed higher concentrations of PFOS, PFDS, PFHxS, and some long-chain PFCAs than tree swallows sampled at the nearby reference site; however, the influence of the WWTP was more equivocal for PFOA, other long-chain PFCAs, and short-chain PFSAs and PFCAs. Carbon stable isotopes (δ13C) and fatty acid signatures indicated that the diets of the WWTP swallows were more terrestrial than the reference swallows. Nonetheless, models considering environmental and ecological variables indicated that site was often the primary driver of PFAA variation among the swallows, with less or no influence of dietary patterns, or sex or body condition, revealing that of WWTP effluent can be an important environmental source of the major PFAAs in tree swallows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailee E Hopkins
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Kim J Fernie
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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Tseng CY, Custer CM, Custer TW, Dummer PM, Karouna-Renier N, Matson CW. Multi-omics responses in tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) nestlings from the Maumee Area of Concern, Maumee River, Ohio. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159130. [PMID: 36183771 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A multi-omics approach was utilized to identify altered biological responses and functions, and to prioritize contaminants to assess the risks of chemical mixtures in the Maumee Area of Concern (AOC), Maumee River, OH, USA. The Maumee AOC is designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as having significant beneficial use impairments, including degradation of fish and wildlife populations, bird or animal deformities or reproduction problems, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat. Tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) nestlings were collected at five sites along the Maumee River, which included wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and industrial land-use sites. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated dibenzo p dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), and chlorinated pesticide concentrations were elevated in Maumee tree swallows, relative to a remote reference site, Star Lake, WI, USA. Liver tissue was utilized for non-targeted transcriptome and targeted metabolome evaluation. A significantly differentially expressed gene cluster related to a downregulation in cell growth and cell cycle regulation was identified when comparing all Maumee River sites with the reference site. There was an upregulation of lipogenesis genes, such as PPAR signaling (HMGCS2, SLC22A5), biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids (FASN, SCD, ELOVL2, and FADS2), and higher lipogenesis related metabolites, such as docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and arachidonic acid (AA) at two industrial land-use sites, Ironhead and Maumee, relative to WWTP sites (Perrysburg and SideCut), and the reference site. Toledo Water, in the vicinity of the other two industrial sites and also adjacent to a WWTP, showed a mix of signals between industrial land-use and WWTP land-use. PAHs, oxychlordane, and PBDEs were determined to be the most likely causes of the differentiation in biological responses, including de novo lipogenesis and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Yen Tseng
- Department of Environmental Science, The Institute of Ecological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences (TIE3S), the Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR), Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, United States
| | - Christine M Custer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, U.S. Geological Survey, La Crosse, WI 54603, United States
| | - Thomas W Custer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, U.S. Geological Survey, La Crosse, WI 54603, United States
| | - Paul M Dummer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, U.S. Geological Survey, La Crosse, WI 54603, United States
| | - Natalie Karouna-Renier
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) at Patuxent, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
| | - Cole W Matson
- Department of Environmental Science, The Institute of Ecological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences (TIE3S), the Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR), Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, United States.
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Dulsat-Masvidal M, Bertolero A, Mateo R, Lacorte S. Legacy and emerging contaminants in flamingos' chicks' blood from the Ebro Delta Natural Park. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 312:137205. [PMID: 36368533 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The Ebro Delta is a wetland of international importance for waterbird conservation but severally affected by intensive agriculture, toxic waste discharges from a past chloro-alkali industry and affluence of tourism. The discharge of contaminants associated to these activities pose waterbirds breeding in the Ebro Delta at risk. The aim of this study is to evaluate the exposure of 91 emerging and legacy micropollutants in flamingo chicks (Phoenicopterus roseus), an emblematic species of the area. Fifty chicks of 45-60 days were captured, biometric parameters measured and whole blood collected. Compounds analyzed included perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), pharmaceuticals, organophosphate esters (OPEs), in-use pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The results indicate a multi-exposure of flamingo's chicks from a very young age. PFASs were the most ubiquitous compounds with ∑PFASs ranging from 9.34 to 576 ng/mL, being PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS detected in all samples. ∑PAHs ranged from 0.19 to 423 ng/mL, ∑PCBs from 0.5 to 15.6 ng/mL and ∑OCs from 1.35 to 37.8 ng/mL. Pharmaceuticals, OPEs and in-use pesticides were not detected. The flamingo's filtering behavior on mud and maternal ovo-transference are the more likely routes of exposure of organic micropollutants to flamingos' chicks. The reported levels of micropollutants were not associated with any alteration in the body condition of chicks. This is the first study to describe flamingos chicks' exposure to multiple contaminants, highlighting the importance of biomonitoring for wildlife conservation and biodiversity preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dulsat-Masvidal
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Bertolero
- Associació Ornitològica Picampall de les Terres de l'Ebre, Trinquet 8, 43580, Deltebre, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Institute for Game and Wildlife Research (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo, 12, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Song H, Yi S, Kim WH, Guk JH, Ha M, Kwak I, Han J, Yeon SC, Cho S. Environmental Perturbations during the Rehabilitation of Wild Migratory Birds Induce Gut Microbiome Alteration and Antibiotic Resistance Acquisition. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0116322. [PMID: 35730950 PMCID: PMC9430529 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01163-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild migratory birds are essential for sustaining healthy ecosystems, but the effects of a rehabilitation period on their gut microbiomes are still unclear. Here, we performed longitudinal sampling, 16S rRNA sequencing, and antibiotic resistance monitoring of the gut microbiome of six species of wild migratory birds protected as natural monuments in South Korea that are subject to short- or long-term rehabilitation periods. Overall, gut microbiome diversity was significantly decreased in the early stages of rehabilitation, and it did not recover to a level comparable to that of wild birds. Moreover, while the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria decreased, that of zoonotic pathogens increased, indicating rehabilitation-induced dysbiosis. The metabolic pathways involved in the degradation of aromatic pollutants were significantly downregulated, suggesting the depletion of pollutant-degrading microorganisms. Antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli significantly increased during rehabilitation, particularly ciprofloxacin and tetracycline resistance, and seven of the rehabilitated wild birds acquired multidrug resistance. The diet and habitat changes experienced by wild migratory birds during rehabilitation may have induced the observed gut microbiome dysbiosis and acquisition of antibiotic resistance. These rehabilitation-induced alterations might affect the adaptability of wild birds to their natural environments and contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance after their release. IMPORTANCE Wild migratory birds are key for ecosystem health but highly sensitive to anthropogenic activities. Therefore, wild migratory birds often undergo rehabilitation to prevent species extinction or biodiversity monitoring. However, the impact of rehabilitation on the gut microbiome of wild migratory birds, which is closely associated with host fitness, remains unclear. For the migratory bird species considered natural monuments in South Korea evaluated here, such impacts could include rehabilitation-induced gut microbiome dysbiosis and acquisition of antibiotic resistance, with possible repercussions on the adaptability of wild birds and spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment after their release. Therefore, the dynamics of the gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance should be considered for implementing sustainable rehabilitation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyokeun Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Saehah Yi
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Woo-Hyun Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Guk
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minjong Ha
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Seoul Wildlife Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Insik Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Seoul Wildlife Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Janghee Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Seoul Wildlife Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seong-Chan Yeon
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Seoul Wildlife Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seongbeom Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Center for Veterinary Integrated Medicine Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Custer CM, Custer TW, Dummer PM. Using tree swallows to assess reductions in PCB exposure as a result of dredging at Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) sites in the Upper Midwest, USA. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 30:1116-1125. [PMID: 34089116 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-021-02420-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) were used to assess the effectiveness of reducing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure to wildlife as a result of contaminated sediment removal at locations across the Great Lakes under two dredging scenarios, full or spot dredging. For comparative purposes, other locations where no dredging occurred were also assessed. Calculating accumulation rate, from the mass of a contaminant in tree swallow eggs and nestling carcasses, is a useful tool to assess the effectiveness of sediment removal. It has the advantage over more commonly used metrics such as cubic yards of sediment removed or kg of a contaminant removed, because it assesses a biotic endpoint that has more societal understanding. Egg and nestling concentrations of total PCBs and accumulation rate (μg of total PCBs accumulated per day) were compared pre- and post-dredge. At the most contaminated site, Waukegan Harbor, Illinois, the accumulation rate decreased by 95% because of dredging. At less contaminated locations in Wisconsin and Ohio, the accumulation rate was reduced by dredging as well, but not to such a large extent (~50%). Even at reference locations, there was a very small amount (0.01-0.06 μg/day) of PCBs accumulated each day because of the prevalence of this contaminant in the environment. The profile of individual PCB congeners also differed pre-and post-dredge and demonstrated significant changes as a result of dredging activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Custer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, USA.
| | - Thomas W Custer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, USA
| | - Paul M Dummer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, USA
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Morganti M, Polesello S, Pascariello S, Ferrario C, Rubolini D, Valsecchi S, Parolini M. Exposure assessment of PFAS-contaminated sites using avian eggs as a biomonitoring tool: A frame of reference and a case study in the Po River valley (Northern Italy). INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2021; 17:733-745. [PMID: 33764673 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
For many years, eggs of diverse bird species have been used as monitoring tools in studies investigating perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, especially in marine and remote areas. Avian eggs are a suitable monitoring matrix because they are relatively easy to collect and their yolks store diverse maternally transferred PFAS. Moreover, the concentrations of PFAS detected in the eggs are a good proxy for maternal exposure and allow the assessment of the potential risk for birds. These features support the use of avian eggs as a key monitoring tool in exposure assessment of PFAS-contaminated sites. We first review the recent application of avian eggs in PFAS monitoring in environmental risk assessment schemes, highlighting strengths and limitations and suggesting which criteria should be considered when selecting a proper study species and structuring the sampling and analytical protocol. Eventually, we report findings from a field study realized in 2020 near a perfluoropolymer factory site in the upper Po plain (Northern Italy), revealing an unprecedented contamination level of PFOA and C6O4 in three species of wild passerines. In future, long-term monitoring of PFAS contamination using avian eggs should be maintained, to provide crucial information on the temporal trend of fluorochemical production and waste disposal, while facilitating early identification of emerging PFAS as well as the quantification of their biomagnification across the trophic web. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:733-745. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelangelo Morganti
- Water Research Institute-National Research Council of Italy, IRSA-CNR, Brugherio, MB, Italy
| | - Stefano Polesello
- Water Research Institute-National Research Council of Italy, IRSA-CNR, Brugherio, MB, Italy
| | - Simona Pascariello
- Water Research Institute-National Research Council of Italy, IRSA-CNR, Brugherio, MB, Italy
| | - Claudia Ferrario
- Water Research Institute-National Research Council of Italy, IRSA-CNR, Brugherio, MB, Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Valsecchi
- Water Research Institute-National Research Council of Italy, IRSA-CNR, Brugherio, MB, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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11
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Custer CM. Linking field and laboratory studies: Reproductive effects of perfluorinated substances on avian populations. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2021; 17:690-696. [PMID: 33475242 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although both laboratory and field studies are needed to effectively assess effects and risk of contaminants to free-living organisms, the limitations of each must be understood. The objectives of this paper are to examine information on field studies of reproductive effects of perfluorinated substances (PFASs) on bird populations, discuss the differences among field studies, and then place those results in context with laboratory studies. Hypotheses to explain the divergences between field studies and between laboratory and field studies will be discussed. Those differences include mixture issues, misattribution of the mechanism or the specific PFAS causing impairments, as well as other possible reasons. Finally, suggestions to better link laboratory and field studies will be presented. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:690-696. Published 2021. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Custer
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin
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12
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Sharp S, Sardiña P, Metzeling L, McKenzie R, Leahy P, Menkhorst P, Hinwood A. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Ducks and the Relationship with Concentrations in Water, Sediment, and Soil. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:846-858. [PMID: 32672850 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined the occurrence and concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) measured in game ducks (13 compounds), water, sediment, and soils (33 compounds) in waterways in Victoria, Australia. The study aimed to identify potential ecological and human health risks from measured PFAS concentrations. Four species of duck and samples of water, sediment, and soil were collected from 19 wetlands, which were chosen based on their popularity as hunting locations. The risks posed by 3 PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid [PFHxS], and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid [PFOS]) to the environment and human health were assessed using available national ecological and human health guidelines. A diverse range of short- and long-chain carboxylic and sulfonic acids were found in the environment and in ducks. Concentrations were generally low and varied between wetlands, duck species, tissue analyzed (breast or liver), and environmental compartment (water, sediment, soil). Higher PFOS concentrations in water and sediments were observed at wetlands near sources of contamination (i.e., a defense base or urban environment). Elevated PFOS and PFOS + PFHxS concentrations in ducks were observed near local point sources but also at wetlands with no known point sources of contamination. There were clear differences in PFAS concentrations detected in duck tissues versus the environment, highlighting complexities of bioaccumulation, movement of animals, and spatiotemporal variation and raising questions about the relevance of using abiotic criteria to assess risk to biota. Human health risk assessment showed that only ducks inhabiting wetlands near local sources of PFAS were likely to pose a risk to consumers. Further studies are required to improve our knowledge of PFAS toxicokinetics and chronic impacts in biota to guide management decisions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:846-858. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Sharp
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Applied Sciences Division, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paula Sardiña
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Applied Sciences Division, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leon Metzeling
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Applied Sciences Division, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rob McKenzie
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Applied Sciences Division, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Leahy
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Applied Sciences Division, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Menkhorst
- Department of Environment Land Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrea Hinwood
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Applied Sciences Division, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
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13
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Custer CM, Custer TW, Dummer PM, Schultz S, Tseng CY, Karouna-Renier N, Matson CW. Legacy and Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Tree Swallows Along an Agricultural to Industrial Gradient: Maumee River, Ohio. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:1936-1952. [PMID: 32495340 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to multiple classes of contaminants, both legacy and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), were assessed in tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) tissue and diet samples from 6 sites along the Maumee River, Ohio, USA, to understand both exposure and possible effects of exposure to those CECs for which there are little avian data. The 6 sites represented a gradient from intensive agriculture upstream to highly urbanized and industrial landscapes downstream; 1 or 2 remote Wisconsin lakes were assessed for comparative purposes. Cytochrome P450 induction, DNA damage, and thyroid function were also assessed relative to contaminant exposure. Bioaccumulative CECs, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and perfluorinated substances, did not follow any upstream to downstream gradient; but both had significantly greater concentrations along the Maumee River than at the remote lake sites. Greater exposure to PBDEs was apparent in swallows at or near wastewater-treatment facilities than at other sites. Total polychlorinated biphenyl and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations were greater in swallows at downstream locations compared to upstream sites and were associated with higher ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase activity. Few herbicides or nonorganochlorine insecticides were detected in swallow tissues or their food, except for atrazine and its metabolite desethylatrazine. Few pharmaceuticals and personal care products were detected except for DEET and iopamidol. Both were detected in most liver samples but not in eggs, as well as detected at the remote lake sites. This is one of the most comprehensive assessments to date of exposure and effects of a wide variety of CECs in birds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1936-1952. © 2020 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Custer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin
| | - Thomas W Custer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin
| | - Paul M Dummer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin
| | - Sandra Schultz
- Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, US Geological Survey, Beltsville, Maryland
| | - Chi Yen Tseng
- Department of Environmental Science and Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | | | - Cole W Matson
- Department of Environmental Science and Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
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Steevens JA, Besser JM, Dorman RA, Sparks DW. Influence of remediation on sediment toxicity within the Grand Calumet River, Indiana, USA. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 249:126056. [PMID: 32062218 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Grand Calumet River (GCR), located in northern Indiana, is contaminated due to a wide range of historical industrial activities. This study was conducted to determine the influence of sediment remediation within the GCR on concentrations of chemical contaminants and toxicity to sediment-dwelling organisms. Between 2005 and 2016, sediments with high concentrations of metals and toxic organic compounds were remediated through a combination of removal, addition of activated carbon and organoclay amendments, and capping with sand or relatively uncontaminated sediment. Short-term and long-term sediment toxicity tests with the amphipod Hyalella azteca, the midge Chironomus dilutus, and the mussel Lampsilis siliquoidea were conducted with samples collected in 2013, 2015, and 2017, from 29 sites, including both remediated and non-remediated sites. Sediment chemistry and toxicity data for three groups of remediated sites (US Steel, West Branch, and East Branch) were compared to samples from contaminated but unremediated sites and to relatively uncontaminated reference sites. In general, remediated sediments had lower levels of PAHs, PCBs and metals, although sediments from the US Steel area still had elevated levels of PAH, PCB and chromium. Sediments from the three remediated sites and from reference sites showed significantly reduced toxic effects in short-term sediment bioassays, compared to unremediated sites. Variation in the long-term success of remediation may reflect site-specific factors such as the type of remediation and the potential for recontamination from uncontrolled sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery A Steevens
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA.
| | - John M Besser
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Rebecca A Dorman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Daniel W Sparks
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bloomington Ecological Services Field Office, 620 S. Walker Street, Bloomington, IN, 47403, USA
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15
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Briels N, Torgersen LN, Castaño-Ortiz JM, Løseth ME, Herzke D, Nygård T, Bustnes JO, Ciesielski TM, Poma G, Malarvannan G, Covaci A, Jaspers VLB. Integrated exposure assessment of northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) nestlings to legacy and emerging organic pollutants using non-destructive samples. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 178:108678. [PMID: 31520824 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, concentrations of legacy and emerging contaminants were determined in three non-destructive matrices (plasma, preen oil and body feathers) of northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) nestlings. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), together with emerging pollutants, including per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs), novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) and Dechlorane Plus isomers (DPs) were targeted. Plasma, preen oil and feather samples were collected from 61 goshawk nestlings in Norway (Trøndelag and Troms) in 2015 and 2016, and pollutant concentrations were compared between the three matrices. In plasma, PFASs were detected in the highest concentrations, ranging between 1.37 and 36.0 ng/mL, which suggests that the nestlings were recently and continuously exposed to these emerging contaminants, likely through dietary input. In preen oil, OCPs (169-3560 ng/g) showed the highest concentrations among the investigated compounds, consistent with their high lipophilicity. PFRs (2.60-314 ng/g) were the dominant compounds in feathers and are thought to originate mainly from external deposition, as they were not detected in the other two matrices. NBFRs and DPs were generally not detected in the nestlings, suggesting low presence of these emerging contaminants in their environment and/or low absorption. Strong and significant correlations between matrices were found for all POPs (rs = 0.46-0.95, p < 0.001), except for hexachlorobenzene (HCB, rs = 0.20, p = 0.13). Correlations for PFASs were less conclusive: linear perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnA), perfluorododecanoate (PFDoA) and perfluorotetradecanoate (PFTeA) showed strong and significant correlations between plasma and feathers (rs = 0.42-0.72, p < 0.02), however no correlation was found for perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorononanoate (PFNA) and perfluorotridecanoate (PFTriA) (rs = 0.05-0.33, p = 0.09-0.85). A lack of consistency between the PFAS compounds (contrary to POPs), and between studies, prevents concluding on the suitability of the investigated matrices for PFAS biomonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Briels
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Lene Norstrand Torgersen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jose Maria Castaño-Ortiz
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mari Engvig Løseth
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), FRAM Centre, 9007, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Torgeir Nygård
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Høgskoleringen 9, 7034, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jan Ove Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), FRAM Centre, 9007, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Tomasz Maciej Ciesielski
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Giulia Poma
- University of Antwerp, Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Govindan Malarvannan
- University of Antwerp, Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- University of Antwerp, Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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16
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Custer CM, Custer TW, Delaney R, Dummer PM, Schultz S, Karouna-Renier N. Perfluoroalkyl Contaminant Exposure and Effects in Tree Swallows Nesting at Clarks Marsh, Oscoda, Michigan, USA. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 77:1-13. [PMID: 30955057 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-019-00620-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A site in northeastern Michigan, Oscoda Township, has some of the highest recorded exposure in birds to perfluorinated substances (PFASs) in the United States. Some egg and plasma concentrations at that location exceeded the lowest reproductive effect threshold established for two avian laboratory species. The objectives of this study were to determine whether there were reproductive effects or physiological responses in a model bird species, the tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), associated with this extremely high exposure to PFASs. The lack of exposure above background to other contaminants at this site allowed for an assessment of PFAS effects without the complication that responses may be caused by other contaminants. A secondary objective was to determine the distribution of PFASs in multiple tissue types to better understand and interpret residues in different tissues. This can best be done at highly exposed locations where tissue concentrations would be expected to be above detectable levels if they are present in that tissue. There were no demonstrable effects of PFAS exposure on reproduction nor on most physiological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Custer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Rd., La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA.
| | - Thomas W Custer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Rd., La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - Robert Delaney
- Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 30473, Lansing, MI, 48909-7973, USA
| | - Paul M Dummer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Rd., La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - Sandra Schultz
- U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Natalie Karouna-Renier
- U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
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17
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Custer TW, Custer CM, Dummer PM, Goldberg D, Franson JC. Element Concentrations in Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) from the U.S. and Binational Great Lakes Areas of Concern. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 76:414-424. [PMID: 30734087 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-019-00601-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Selected elements were targeted in state Remedial Action Plans as one group of chemicals affecting the Beneficial Use Impairments of Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs). Livers of nestling tree swallows, Tachycineta bicolor, were harvested from 76 sites in the Great Lakes, which included multiple sites at 27 AOCs and 12 reference sites from 2010 to 2015, and were analyzed for 21 elements. Mercury concentrations were at background levels at all sites. Elevated cadmium (Cd) concentrations were associated with industry. The highest Cd values were from the Black River, OH AOC and were associated with historic coke production but were not at toxic levels. Lead (Pb) concentrations were highest on the Rouge River, MI AOC-the oldest and most heavily populated and industrialized area in southeast Michigan. Individual Pb concentrations were elevated to a level associated with delta-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase inhibition but not to a level considered toxic. In contrast, livers harvested from sites on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan had selenium (Se) concentrations elevated to levels associated with reduced avian reproduction. One likely source of the high Se concentrations was pollution from a local coal-fired power plant. Concentrations of the remaining elements were at background levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Custer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, U.S. Geological Survey, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - Christine M Custer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, U.S. Geological Survey, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA.
| | - Paul M Dummer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, U.S. Geological Survey, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - Diana Goldberg
- National Wildlife Health Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - J Christian Franson
- National Wildlife Health Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
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18
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Fernie KJ, Marteinson SC, Chen D, Palace V, Peters L, Soos C, Smits JEG. Changes in thyroid function of nestling tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) in relation to polycyclic aromatic compounds and other environmental stressors in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 169:464-475. [PMID: 30530086 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In the Canadian Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR), nestling tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) raised near mining-related activities accumulated greater concentrations of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) that contributed to their poorer condition, growth, and reproductive success. Here, we report changes in thyroid function of the same 14 day old (do) nestlings (N ≤ 68) at these mining-related sites (OS1, OS2) compared to reference nestlings (REF1), and in relation to multiple environmental stressors that influence avian thyroid function. Thyroid function was compromised for OS1 nestlings but generally comparable between OS2 and REF1 chicks. In 2012, circulating total triiodothyronine (TT3) and thyroxine (TT4) were similar among all nestlings. The OS1 chicks had more active thyroid glands based on histological endpoints. Hepatic T4 outer-ring deiodinase (T4-ORD) activity was suppressed in OS1 and OS2 chicks. Despite inter-annual differences, OS1 chicks continued experiencing compromised thyroid function with significantly higher circulating TT4 and more active thyroid glands in 2013. The OS2 chicks had less active thyroid glands, which conceivably contributed to their suppressed growth (previously reported) relative to the heavier OS1 nestlings with more active thyroid glands. Thyroid gland activity was more influenced by the chicks' accumulation of (muscle), than exposure (feces) to naphthalene, C2-naphthalenes, and C1-fluorenes. Of four major volatile organic contaminants, sulfur dioxide (SO2) primarily influenced thyroid gland activity and structure, supporting previous findings with captive birds. When collectively considering environmental-thyroidal stressors, chicks had a greater thyroidal response when they experienced colder temperatures, accumulated more C2-naphthalenes, and consumed aquatic-emerging insects with higher PAC burdens than terrestrial insects (carbon (δ13C)). We hypothesize that the more active thyroid glands and higher circulating TT4 of the OS1 chicks supported their growth and survival despite having the highest PAC burdens, whereas the lack of thyroid response in the OS2 chicks combined with high PAC burdens, contributed to their smaller size, poorer condition and poorer survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Fernie
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 1A2.
| | - S C Marteinson
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 1A2
| | - D Chen
- School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - V Palace
- International Institute for Sustainable Development - Experimental Lakes Area, 111 Lombard Avenue, Suite 325, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3B 0T4
| | - L Peters
- Riddell Faculty of Earth Environment and Resources, University of Manitoba, 125 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
| | - C Soos
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 115 Perimeter Rd, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 0X4
| | - J E G Smits
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4Z6
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Elliott SM, Route WT, DeCicco LA, VanderMeulen DD, Corsi SR, Blackwell BR. Contaminants in bald eagles of the upper Midwestern U.S.: A framework for prioritizing future research based on in-vitro bioassays. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 244:861-870. [PMID: 30469280 PMCID: PMC6662187 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Several organic contaminants (OCs) have been detected in bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nestling (eaglet) plasma in the upper Midwestern United States. Despite frequent and relatively high concentrations of OCs in eaglets, little is understood about potential biological effects associated with exposure. We screened an existing database of OC concentrations in eaglet plasma collected from the Midwestern United States against bioactivity information from the ToxCast database. ToxCast bioactivity information consists of concentrations expected to elicit responses across a range of biological space (e.g. cellular, developmental, etc.) obtained from a series of high throughput assays. We calculated exposure-activity ratios (EAR) by calculating the ratio of plasma concentrations to concentrations available in ToxCast. Bioactivity data were not available for all detected OCs. Therefore, our analysis provides estimates of potential bioactivity for 19 of the detected OCs in eaglet plasma. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) EAR values were consistently the highest among all study areas. Maximum EAR values were ≥1 for PFOS, perfluorononanoic acid, and bisphenol A in 99.7, 0.53 and 0.26% of samples, indicating that some plasma concentrations were greater than what may be expected to elicit biological responses. About 125 gene targets, indicative of specific biological pathways, were identified as potentially being affected. Inhibition of several CYP genes, involved in xenobiotic metabolism, were most consistently identified. Other identified biological responses have potential implications for motor coordination, cardiac functions, behavior, and blood circulation. However, it is unclear what these results mean for bald eagles, given that ToxCast data are generated using mammalian-based endpoints. Despite uncertainties and limitations, this method of screening environmental data can be useful for informing future monitoring or research focused on understanding the occurrence and effects of OCs in bald eagles and other similarly-positioned trophic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Elliott
- U.S. Geological Survey, 2280 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, MN, 55112, United States.
| | - William T Route
- U.S. National Park Service, Great Lakes Inventory & Monitoring Network, 2800 Lake Shore Drive East, Ashland, WI, 54806, United States.
| | - Laura A DeCicco
- U.S. Geological Survey, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI, 53562, United States.
| | - David D VanderMeulen
- U.S. National Park Service, Great Lakes Inventory & Monitoring Network, 2800 Lake Shore Drive East, Ashland, WI, 54806, United States.
| | - Steven R Corsi
- U.S. Geological Survey, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI, 53562, United States.
| | - Brett R Blackwell
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 6201 Congdon Boulevard, Duluth, MN, 55804, United States.
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Fernie KJ, Marteinson SC, Soos C, Chen D, Cruz-Martinez L, Smits JEG. Reproductive and developmental changes in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) are influenced by multiple stressors, including polycyclic aromatic compounds, in the Athabasca Oil Sands. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 238:931-941. [PMID: 29684897 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Mining in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR) has contributed extensively to increased exposure of wildlife to naturally occurring polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), yet little is known about the toxicity of PACs to wildlife in this region. We identified reproductive and developmental changes in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) breeding in close proximity to mining-related activities in the AOSR, and determined these changes in relation to the birds' exposure and accumulation of 41 PACs (parent-, alkylated-PAHs), dibenzothiophenes (DBTs; previously published), diet (carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N)), volatile organic compounds, and weather variables. Tree swallow pairs (N = 43) were compared among mining-related (OS1, OS2) and reference (REF1, REF2) sites. At OS2, clutch initiation was slightly advanced (2012) but reproductive success (65%) was much lower than at the other sites (≥ 79%). Fledgling production by each pair was influenced by the timing of clutch initiation (years combined); in a highly inclement brood rearing period (2013), additional influences included the nestlings' exposure to ΣDBTs, accumulation of C1-naphthalene, the trophic position of the prey in their diet (δ15N), and record-breaking rainfall. Nestlings at OS2 were significantly lighter at day (d) 9 and d14, and in poorer body condition (d9). Nestling body mass was influenced by multiple stressors that varied by site: mass of younger nestlings (d9) was related to dietary source (δ13C; e.g., wetlands, terrestrial fields), exposure and/or accumulation of C1-phenanthrenes, C2-fluorenes, Σalkyl-PAHs and ΣDBTs, while for older nestlings (d14), body mass was related to sex, hatch date and/or rainfall during brood rearing. The swallows' exposure and accumulation of parent-PACs, alkyl-PACs and DBTs, the timing of hatching, their diet and exposure to highly inclement rains, contributed to their reproductive and developmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Fernie
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, L7R 1A2, Canada.
| | - S C Marteinson
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, L7R 1A2, Canada
| | - C Soos
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 115 Perimeter Rd, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 0X4, Canada
| | - D Chen
- School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - L Cruz-Martinez
- Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts, West Indies; Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - J E G Smits
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada
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Fernie KJ, Marteinson SC, Chen D, Eng A, Harner T, Smits JEG, Soos C. Elevated exposure, uptake and accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by nestling tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) through multiple exposure routes in active mining-related areas of the Athabasca oil sands region. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 624:250-261. [PMID: 29253773 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In the Athabasca Oil Sands (OS) Region, the exposure (by air, water, diet), uptake and deposition of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), including parent and alkylated hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dibenzothiophenes (DBTs), was assessed in nestling tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) at mining-related (OS1, OS2) and reference (REF) sites. The OS sites did not receive oil-sands processed waters (OSPW) and were ≥60km from the reference sites. Most of the 42 PACs (≤98%) were detected in all matrices. Swallows at the OS sites were exposed to higher air and water concentrations of individual PAC congeners, ΣPACs, Σparent-PAHs, Σalkyl-PAHs and ΣDBTs. Compared to reference nestlings (ΣPACs: 13-27ng/g wet weight (ww)), PACs were significantly higher in OS nestlings (31-106ng/gww) that also accumulated higher concentrations of major PAHs (i.e., naphthalene, C1-naphthalene, C2-naphthalene, C1-fluorenes, C2-fluorenes, C1-phenanthrenes) measured in 60% of nestlings. Uptake and deposition of PAHs in the birds' muscle was related to diet (δ15N: C1-naphthalenes, C2-naphthalenes, C1-fluorenes), water (C1-phenanthrenes), and air through inhalation and feather preening (C1-fluorenes), but fecal concentrations were not well explained by diet or environmental concentrations. While PAH concentrations were much higher in muscle than feces, they were highly correlated (p≤0.001 for all). Thus feces may represent a non-lethal method for characterizing PAH exposure of birds, with muscle characterizing accumulation and sources of PAH exposure. Tree swallows in the Athabasca OS Region are exposed to many PACs, accumulating higher concentrations when developing in close proximity to mining activity through diet, aerial deposition and mining-impacted freshwater sources (e.g., wetlands).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim J Fernie
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7R 1A2, Canada.
| | - Sarah C Marteinson
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7R 1A2, Canada
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China.
| | - Anita Eng
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin St., Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Tom Harner
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin St., Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Judit E G Smits
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Catherine Soos
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 115 Perimeter Rd, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X4, Canada
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Custer CM, Custer TW, Etterson MA, Dummer PM, Goldberg D, Franson JC. Reproductive success and contaminant associations in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) used to assess a Beneficial Use Impairment in U.S. and Binational Great Lakes' Areas of Concern. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 27:457-476. [PMID: 29524053 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-018-1913-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
During 2010-2014, tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) reproductive success was monitored at 68 sites across all 5 Great Lakes, including 58 sites located within Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs) and 10 non-AOCs. Sample eggs were collected from tree swallow clutches and analyzed for contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and furans, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and 34 other organic compounds. Contaminant data were available for 360 of the clutches monitored. Markov chain multistate modeling was used to assess the importance of 5 ecological variables and 11 of the dominant contaminants in explaining the pattern of egg and nestling failure rates. Four of 5 ecological variables (Female Age, Date within season, Year, and Site) were important explanatory variables. Of the 11 contaminants, only total dioxin and furan toxic equivalents (TEQs) explained a significant amount of the egg failure probabilities. Neither total PCBs nor PCB TEQs explained the variation in egg failure rates. In a separate analysis, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure in nestling diet, used as a proxy for female diet during egg laying, was significantly correlated with the daily probability of egg failure. The 8 sites within AOCs which had poorer reproduction when compared to 10 non-AOC sites, the measure of impaired reproduction as defined by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, were associated with exposure to dioxins and furan TEQs, PAHs, or depredation. Only 2 sites had poorer reproduction than the poorest performing non-AOC. Using a classic (non-modeling) approach to estimating reproductive success, 82% of nests hatched at least 1 egg, and 75% of eggs laid, excluding those collected for contaminant analyses, hatched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Custer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA.
| | - Thomas W Custer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - Matthew A Etterson
- Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 6201 Congdon Blvd., Duluth, MN, 55804, USA
| | - Paul M Dummer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - Diana Goldberg
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - J Christian Franson
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
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Custer CM, Custer TW, Dummer PM, Goldberg D, Franson JC. Annual variation in polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure in tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) eggs and nestlings at Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) study sites. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2018; 190:227. [PMID: 29550916 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-6617-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) eggs and nestlings were collected from 16 sites across the Great Lakes to quantify normal annual variation in total polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure and to validate the sample size choice in earlier work. A sample size of five eggs or five nestlings per site was adequate to quantify exposure to PCBs in tree swallows given the current exposure levels and variation. There was no difference in PCB exposure in two randomly selected sets of five eggs collected in the same year, but analyzed in different years. Additionally, there was only modest annual variation in exposure, with between 69% (nestlings) and 73% (eggs) of sites having no differences between years. There was a tendency, both statistically and qualitatively, for there to be less exposure in the second year compared to the first year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Custer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Rd., La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA.
| | - Thomas W Custer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Rd., La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - Paul M Dummer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Rd., La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - Diana Goldberg
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - J Christian Franson
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI, 53711, USA
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Fernie KJ, Letcher RJ. Waste-water treatment plants are implicated as an important source of flame retardants in insectivorous tree swallows (Tachicyneta bicolor). CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 195:29-39. [PMID: 29248750 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are an important source of anthropogenic chemicals, including organic flame retardants (FRs). Limited studies indicate birds can be exposed to FRs by feeding from waters receiving WWTP effluent or in fields receiving biosolids. Expanding on our earlier study, 47 legacy and 18 new FR contaminants were characterized in the eggs of insectivorous tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) feeding in water bodies receiving effluent from two WWTPs and compared to those from a reference site 19 km downstream of the nearest WWTP. Of the FRs measured, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) dominated the FR profile, specifically BDE-47, -99, -100, -153, -154, with considerably lower concentrations of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), BDE-183 and BDE-209; each detected in 96-100% of the eggs overall except HBCDD (83%). FR concentrations were usually significantly greater in eggs from the secondary WWTP versus the tertiary WWTP and/or reference site. Despite low detection rates, concentrations of new FRs, specifically pentabromobenzyl acrylate (PBBA), 1,2,-bis-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE), bis(2-ethylhexyl)-tetrabromophthalate (BEHTBP), tetrabromo-o-chlorotoluene (TBCT), hexabromobenzene (HBB), α- and β-1,2-dibromo-4-(1,2-dibromoethyl)-cyclohexane (DBE-DBCH), were greater than HBCDD or BDE-209. Additional evidence that WWTPs are an important source of exposure to new FR contaminants for birds utilizing associated water bodies is that only the WTTP eggs, not the reference eggs, had measureable concentrations of PBBA, TBCT, BEHTBP, HBB, α-DBE-DBCH, 2,2',4,5,5'-pentabromobiphenyl (BB-101), pentabromoethyl benzene (PBEB), 2,4,6-tribromophenyl allyl ether (TBPAE), and tetrabromo-p-xylene (pTBX). Our study suggests that WWTPs are an important source of legacy and new FR contaminants for birds consuming prey that are associated with WWTP out-flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J Fernie
- Ecotoxiciology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada Center for Inland Waters, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7R 1A1, Canada.
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
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Custer TW, Custer CM, Dummer PM, Bigorgne E, Oziolor EM, Karouna-Renier N, Schultz S, Erickson RA, Aagaard K, Matson CW. EROD activity, chromosomal damage, and oxidative stress in response to contaminants exposure in tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) nestlings from Great Lakes Areas of Concern. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2017; 26:1392-1407. [PMID: 29039061 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-017-1863-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor, nestlings were collected from 60 sites in the Great Lakes, which included multiple sites within 27 Areas of Concern (AOCs) and six sites not listed as AOCs from 2010 to 2014. Nestlings, approximately 12 days-of-age, were evaluated for ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (EROD) activity, chromosomal damage, and six measures of oxidative stress. Data on each of these biomarkers were divided into four equal numbered groups from the highest to lowest values and the groups were compared to contaminant concentrations using multivariate analysis. Contaminant concentrations, from the same nestlings, included polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), and 17 elements. Alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (aPAHs) and parent PAHs (pPAHs) were measured in pooled nestling dietary samples. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and pesticides were measured in sibling eggs. Concentrations of aPAHs, pPAHs, chlordane, dieldrin, heptachlor, and PCBs, in that order, were the major contributors to the significant differences between the lowest and highest EROD activities; PFCs, PBDEs, the remaining pesticides, and all elements were of secondary importance. The four categories of chromosomal damage did not separate out well based on the contaminants measured. Concentrations of aPAHs, pPAHs, heptachlor, PCBs, chlordane, and dieldrin were the major contributors to the significant differences between the lowest and highest activities of two oxidative stress measures, total sulfhydryl (TSH) activity and protein bound sulfhydryl (PBSH) activity. The four categories of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), reduced glutathione (GSH), and the ratio of GSSG/GSH did not separate well based on the contaminants measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Custer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA.
| | - Christine M Custer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - Paul M Dummer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - Emilie Bigorgne
- Department of Environmental Science and the Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR), Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Elias M Oziolor
- Department of Environmental Science and the Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR), Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Natalie Karouna-Renier
- U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, BARC East, BLDG 308, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Sandra Schultz
- U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, BARC East, BLDG 308, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Richard A Erickson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - Kevin Aagaard
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - Cole W Matson
- Department of Environmental Science and the Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR), Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
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