Environmental Toxicology

Exposure and effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting along the Woonasquatucket River, Rhode Island, USA†

  1. Christine M. Custer1,*,
  2. Thomas W. Custer1,
  3. Cornell J. Rosiu2,
  4. Mark J. Melancon3,
  5. John W. Bickham4,
  6. Cole W. Matson4

Article first published online: 9 DEC 2009

DOI: 10.1897/03-682.1

Issue

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

Volume 24, Issue 1, pages 93–109, January 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

Custer, C. M., Custer, T. W., Rosiu, C. J., Melancon, M. J., Bickham, J. W. and Matson, C. W. (2005), Exposure and effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting along the Woonasquatucket River, Rhode Island, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24: 93–109. doi: 10.1897/03-682.1

Author Information

  1. 1

    U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603

  2. 2

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1 Congress Street, Suite 1100, Boston, Massachusetts 02114

  3. 3

    U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, c/o BARC-East, Building 308, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, Maryland 20708

  4. 4

    Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA

*U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603

  1. †

    Although the research described here was wholly or partially fund by the U.S. EPA through IAG DW-14-94022801-1 to the U.S. Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin, the manuscript has not been subjected to U.S. EPA review. Therefore, it does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. EPA.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 9 DEC 2009
  2. Article first published online: 9 DEC 2009
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 3 JUN 2004
  4. Manuscript Received: 17 DEC 2003

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Keywords:

  • Hatching success;
  • Dioxins;
  • 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin;
  • Tree swallows;
  • Woonasquatucket River

Abstract

Concentrations of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting along the Woonasquatucket River northwest of Providence (RI, USA) in 2000 and 2001 were some of the highest ever reported in avian tissues. Mean concentrations in eggs ranged from 300 to > 1,000 pg/g wet weight at the two most contaminated ponds, Allendale and Lyman. Mean egg concentrations at Greystone, the upstream reference pond, were 12 and 29 pg/g. Positive accumulation rates and concentrations in diet samples from 12-day-old nestlings indicated that the contamination was accumulated locally. Concentrations in diet of between 71 and 219 pg/g wet weight were more than 6 and 18 times higher than concentrations considered safe for birds (10–12 pg/g). Hatching success was negatively associated with concentration of TCDD in eggs. Only about half the eggs hatched at Allendale compared with >77% at Greystone. The national average for hatching success in successful nests is 85%. No other contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls and mercury, were present in any sample at concentrations known to affect avian reproduction. Three bioindicators, half-peak coefficient of geometric variation, ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase activity, and brain asymmetry were assessed relative to TCDD contamination.

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