Organochlorines and mercury in livers of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) wintering in northeastern Mediterranean wetlands in relation to area, bird age, and gender

Wild birds are exposed to pollutants in their habitats. Top consumers of aquatic environments such as the fish-eating great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) are especially affected due to the bioaccumulation of toxic substances in their tissues. This study analysed the livers of 80 great cormorants from Greece to estimate the concentration of organochlorines and mercury and to examine their possible toxic effects and origin. The results showed that mercury (geometric mean 8089 ng g−1 dw), p,p′-DDE (2628 ng g−1 dw), ∑ HCHs (47 ng g−1 dw) and HCB (116 ng g−1 dw) concentrations can be considered high compared with those found in great cormorant livers elsewhere except in highly polluted areas, whereas ∑ PCBs occurred in relatively low concentrations (1091 ng g−1 dw). β-HCH was the dominant HCH isomer. Pollutant levels were generally unrelated to area, age and gender. However, p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDD showed intersite differences, whilst the proportion of PCBs with 8 chlorine atoms were significantly higher in adult than 1st year great cormorants. Pollution did not reflect local patterns but rather these along the Baltic and Black Seas, whilst differences in p,p′-DDE concentration and ∑ DDTs/∑PCBs ratios between Evros, Axios or Amvrakikos, found on common migration route, suggested different bird origins. Most birds had toxic mercury concentrations; 83.7% above 4000 ng g−1 dw and 16% above 17,000 ng g−1 dw. Other pollutant levels were too low to have adverse effects.

Research Highlights
► Mercury, p,p′-DDE, β-HCH and HCB occurred in highest concentrations.
► More than 80% of Greek great cormorants might have suffered from mercurial intoxication.
► Pollutant levels were generally unrelated to gender, age and area (except DDTs).
► Baltic and Black Seas are possible regions of origin and accumulation of Hg and DDTs.