Integrating Monitoring and Genetic Methods To Infer Historical Risks of PCBs and DDE to Common and Roseate Terns Nesting Near the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site (Massachusetts, USA)

Abstract

Common and roseate terns are migratory piscivorous seabirds with major breeding colonies within feeding range of the PCB-contaminated New Bedford Harbor (NBH, MA, USA) Superfund site. Our longitudinal study shows that before PCB discharges into NBH ceased (late 1970s), tern eggs had very high but variable PCB concentrations. But egg concentrations of PCBs as well as DDE, the degradation product of the ubiquitous global contaminant DDT, have since declined. Rate constants for temporal decline of PCB congeners in tern eggs varied inversely with log10KOW (n-octanol-water partition coefficient), shifting egg congener patterns away from those characterizing NBH sediment. To estimate the toxic effects on tern eggs of PCB dioxin-like congener (DLC) exposures, we extrapolated published laboratory data on common terns to roseate terns by characterizing genetic and functional similarities in species aryl-hydrocarbon receptors (AHRs), which mediate DLC sensitivity. Our assessment of contaminant risks suggests that terns breeding near NBH were exposed historically to toxic levels of PCBs and DDE; however, acute effects on tern egg development have become less likely since the 1970s. Our approach demonstrates how comparative genetics at target loci can effectively increase the range of inference for chemical risk assessments from tested to untested and untestable species.

When evolution is the solution to pollution: Key principles, and lessons from rapid repeated adaptation of killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) populations

“…For example, Nacci, Hahn, et al. (2016) conducted a longitudinal study of eggs from two tern species collected from Buzzards Bay breeding colonies to assess historical and contemporary effects of PCBs on these species whose breeding colonies may have been (or may continue to be) influenced by NBH estuarine Superfund site contamination. Buzzards Bay common terns Sterna hirundo and the federally listed roseate terns (RTs) Sterna dougallii are exposed to PCBs primarily by ingestion of fish within their feeding range (Nisbet, 2002), which includes NBH.…”

“…Thus, ecological costs associated with environments where tolerant killifish flourish include trophic transfer, which can result in bioaccumulation of contaminants in top predators, fish-eating birds and other wildlife that use the ecosystem as a feeding ground. For example, Nacci, Hahn, et al (2016) conducted a longitudinal study of eggs from two tern species collected from Buzzards Bay breeding colonies to assess historical and contemporary effects of PCBs on these species whose breeding colonies may have been (or may continue to be)…”

Bioaccumulation and effects of dietary exposure to the alternative flame retardant, bis(2‐ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH), in the Atlantic killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus

“…PCB153. Fish diet and tissue samples were analyzed using methods described previously (Jayaraman et al 2009;Nacci et al 2016) at the Office of Research and Development, Atlantic Ecology Division, USEPA. To calculate recovery of PCB153, known amounts of PCB153 and PCB198 (internal standard) were added to untreated liver samples and taken through the extraction procedure.…”

Persistent Threats by Persistent Pollutants: Chemical Nature, Concerns and Future Policy Regarding PCBs—What Are We Heading For?

“…Also, regions at the East Coast of the United States were contaminated by PCBs. Dumping of PCBs from 1947 until 1977 in Pittsfield (MA, USA) and Lockport (NY, USA) was largely the responsibility of General Electric [ 27 , 28 ]. Both areas are Superfund sites, listed to be decontaminated.…”