Birds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Author: Albers, Peter H.

Source: Avian and Poultry Biology Reviews, Volume 17, Number 4, November 2006 , pp. 125-140(16)

Publisher: Science Reviews 2000 Ltd

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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 organ weights, 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.

Keywords: PAH; bird; embryo; petroleum

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3184/147020606783438740

Affiliations: 1: US Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Beltsville Laboratory, c/o BARC-East, Building 308, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA

Publication date: 2006-11-30

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