Raptors and Owls from Luxembourg and Belgium: Exposure by mercury and organochlorines

Research project presented by Georges Weisgerber, MSc
Free University of Brussels (VUB), 2002
Laboratory for Ecotoxicology
Promoter: Prof. C. Joiris
Co-Promoter: Dr. L. Holsbeek

Keywords: Bioindicators, Ecotoxicology, Monitoring, Mercury, Organochlorines (Pesticides and PCBs), Raptor populations

The present project aims at analysing various mechanisms governing the fate and effect of organochlorines and mercury on terrestrial ecosystems. We suggest to use raptors and owls to monitor changes and impact of pollution levels. Measurement of organochlorine content, mercury content and eggshell thickness shall shed a new light on our understanding of previous population declines (during the sixties and seventies) as well as on the actual stability of these compounds in terrestrial ecosystems. The relationship between mercury and organochlorines and their possible synergism will receive special attention.

Furthermore, the classic monitoring activity will be complemented by the use of bioindicators such as the hepatic mixed function oxygenase (MFO) activity and genetic damage measures. These bioindicators have been demonstrated in wildlife to respond to organic and inorganic contaminants. Thus, an other objective is to measure and evaluate these biochemical and genotoxic bioindicators in free living birds as well as on breeding sites. In collaboration with Bird protection ligues, we will measure blood parameters related to pollution stress and establish a link to reproductive success.