Migrating Tundra Peregrine Falcons accumulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons along Gulf of Mexico following Deepwater Horizon oil spill

Abstract

Monitoring internal crude oil exposure can assist the understanding of associated risks and impacts, as well as the effectiveness of restoration efforts. Under the auspices of a long-term monitoring program of Tundra Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus tundrius) at Assateague (Maryland) and South Padre Islands (Texas), we measured the 16 parent (unsubstituted) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), priority pollutants identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and components of crude oil, in peripheral blood cells of migrating Peregrine Falcons from 2009 to 2011. The study was designed to assess the spatial and temporal trends of crude oil exposure associated with the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill which started 20 April 2010 and was capped on 15 July of that year. Basal PAH blood distributions were determined from pre-DWH oil spill (2009) and unaffected reference area sampling. This sentinel species, a predator of shorebirds and seabirds during migration, was potentially exposed to residual oil from the spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Results demonstrate an increased incidence (frequency of PAH detection and blood concentrations) of PAH contamination in 2010 fall migrants sampled along the Texas Gulf Coast, declining to near basal levels in 2011. Kaplan-Meier peak mean ∑PAH blood concentration estimates varied with age (Juveniles-16.28 ± 1.25, Adults-5.41 ± 1.10 ng/g, wet weight) and PAHs detected, likely attributed to the discussed Tundra Peregrine natural history traits. Increased incidence of fluorene, pyrene and anthracene, with the presence of alkylated PAHs in peregrine blood suggests an additional crude oil source after DWH oil spill. The analyses of PAHs in Peregrine Falcon blood provide a convenient repeatable method, in conjunction with ongoing banding efforts, to monitoring crude oil contamination in this avian predator.

Transgenerational effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure on sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus)

“…The PAHs were extracted using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERs) method (Johnson ) in water, followed by addition of acetonitrile, cleanup with magnesium sulfate and sodium acetate, and centrifugation. Extracts were then analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry photodiode array detection, as described (Paruk et al ; Yeudakimau et al ; Seegar et al ). All quality control data were within acceptable limits.…”

The RTK Interactome: Overview and Perspective on RTK Heterointeractions

“…221,222 Tie1, which has no known activating ligand, appears to negatively regulate Tie2 by forming ligand-independent dimers with it, and these heterodimers decrease Tie2 phosphorylation and downstream signaling; different Tie2 ligands stabilize or destabilize these heterodimers to different degrees, allowing for fine control over Tie2 activity. [223][224][225][226] It is clear that there are a wide range of different RTK hetero-interactions within the same subfamilies. Many, but not all, are caused by ligands which bind to both receptors, and they are important for signaling regulation, amplification, and diversification.…”

A Broadscale Assessment of Mercury Contamination in Peregrine Falcons Across the Northern Latitudes of North America

“…The migratory nature of many peregrine populations, and the extensive and highly variable migration patterns of their various avian prey species are important factors that must be considered when assessing geographic and temporal Hg exposure. Earlier peregrine contaminant studies assessed organochlorine pollutants (Henny et al 1982, Henny et al 2009, Franke et al 2010 and other chemical pesticides (Newton et al 1989, Peakall et al 1990, petroleum exposure (Seegar et al 2015), trace metals and various environmental contaminants (Parrish et al 1983, Ambrose et al 2000, and Hg Mearns 1982, Dietz et al 2006b, Barnes and Gerstenberger 2015). Mercury concentrations in peregrine feathers are correlated with Hg levels in their prey Odsjö 1983, Barnes andGerstenberger 2015); however, the threshold toxicity levels that impair reproduction, health, and survival have not been established in this species.…”