Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in the study of organochlorine contaminants in albatrosses and petrels

Mar Pollut Bull. 2014 Jun 15;83(1):241-7. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.03.046. Epub 2014 Apr 22.

Abstract

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in albatrosses and petrels collected off southern Brazil were compared with concentrations of organochlorine contaminants (OCs). δ(13)C and δ(15)N values, as well as OCs concentrations, exhibited a high degree of variability among individuals and overlap among species. δ(13)C values reflected latitudinal differences among species, with lower values found in Wandering and Tristan Albatrosses and higher values found in Black-browed and Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses and White-chinned Petrels. Some relationships were found between OCs and stable isotopes, but in general a partial 'uncoupling' was observed between OCs concentrations and stable isotopes ratios (especially for δ(15)N). δ(13)C and δ(15)N values in Procellariiformes tissues during the non-breeding season appear to be a better indicator of foraging habitats than of trophic relationships, which may partially explain the high degree of variability between concentrations of OCs and stable isotopes ratios in birds with a diversified diet and wide foraging range.

Keywords: Brazil; Organochlorine pesticides; Polychlorinated biphenyls; Procellariiformes; Stable isotopes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Birds*
  • Brazil
  • Carbon Isotopes / analysis
  • Diet
  • Ecosystem
  • Environmental Pollutants / analysis*
  • Female
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / analysis*
  • Male
  • Nitrogen Isotopes / analysis
  • Principal Component Analysis

Substances

  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
  • Nitrogen Isotopes