Contaminant screening of osprey eggs in Casco Bay, Maine 2009 Field Season

Authors

Wing Goodale, BioDiversity Research Institute

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2010

Abstract

Starting in May 2009, BioDiversity Research Institute (BRI) expanded upon the 2007 and 2008 broad-based contaminant study on Maine birds, measuring both historical and emerging chemicals. Out of the 23 species studied in the first two years, we determined that osprey (Pandion haliaetus) foraging in Casco Bay required additional study in 2009. We selected osprey because they act as bioidicators of the marine habitat. The compounds we analyzed in ten eggs from Casco Bay were mercury (results pending), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCs). The results in this report also include the six osprey eggs we analyzed in 2007.

Recommended Citation

Goodale, W. (2010). Contaminant screening of osprey eggs in Casco Bay, Maine 2009 Field Season. [Report BRI 2010-09 submitted to The Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, Portland, Maine]. Gorham, ME: BioDiversity Research Institute.

Category

Birds; Pesticides; Toxics

Location

Casco Bay