Relationships between organohalogen contaminants and blood plasma clinical-chemical parameters in chicks of three raptor species from Northern Norway

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Christian Sonne
  • Jan Ove Bustnes
  • Dorte Herzke
  • Veerle L.B. Jaspers
  • Adrian Covaci
  • Duncan J. Halley
  • Truls Moum
  • Igor Eulaers
  • Marcel Eens
  • Rolf A. Ims
  • Sveinn A. Hanssen
  • Kjell Einar Erikstad
  • Trond Johnsen
  • Lisbeth Schnug
  • Frank Farsø Riget
  • Jensen, Asger Lundorff
Organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) may affect various physiological parameters in birds including blood chemistry. We therefore examined blood plasma clinical-chemical parameters and OHCs in golden eagle, white-tailed eagle and goshawk chicks from Northern Norway. Correlation analyses on pooled data showed that alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), glucose and creatinine were significantly negatively correlated to various OHCs (all: p<0.05; r: -0.43 to -0.55; n=23), while alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), total protein, cholesterol, uric acid, total bilirubin, ratios protein:creatinine and uric acid:creatinine were significantly positively correlated to various OHCs (all: p<0.05; r: 0.43-0.96). Based on these relationships, we suggest that the OHC concentrations found in certain raptor chicks of Northern Scandinavia may impact blood plasma biochemistry in a way that indicates impacts on liver, kidney, bone, endocrinology and metabolism. In order to elaborate further on these relationships and mechanisms, we recommend that a larger study should take place in the near future.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Volume73
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)7-17
Number of pages11
ISSN0147-6513
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

ID: 16214176