Ecotoxicological and pathological studies of common guillemots Uria aalge, beached on the Belgian coast during six successive wintering periods (1989-90 to 1994-95).

in Diseases of Aquatic Organisms (1997), 29

During six successive wintering periods, 727 common guillemots Uria aalge were recovered from Belgian beaches. One third of the birds were already dead, the rest passed through rehabilitation centres ... [more ▼]

During six successive wintering periods, 727 common guillemots Uria aalge were recovered from Belgian beaches. One third of the birds were already dead, the rest passed through rehabilitation centres where they eventually died. All birds were monitored for general condition (body mass, fat reserves), eventual status of oiling and pathological changes (cachexia, acute hemorrhagic gastro-enteropathy - GEAH -), 339 birds were sampled for trace metals (total and organic Hg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd) and PCB analysis. Oiling is still a major cause of death for wintering pelagic seabirds: half of the birds showed signs of external or internal oiling, probably a still greater number of oiled birds never reach the shores. Although a low body mass should be a normal winter condition for wintering guillemots, pathology results showed that three quarters of the studied animals were in a state of cachexia with emaciated pectoral muscles and lowered muscle lipid contents. Elevated levels of Cu, Zn, Hg and PCBs were linked to the state of cachexia and may well represent an additional stress factor leading to debilitation and death of part of the wintering guillemot population. [less ▲]

Role of Metallothioneins in Metal Regulation by the Guillemot Uria Aalge

in Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part C, Pharmacology, Toxicology & Endocrinology (1996), 113(2), 135-9

Guillemots, like other seabird species living in the North Sea, appear to be heavily contaminated by copper. Metallothioneins are present in both liver and kidney but, at least in the specimens stranded ... [more ▼]

Guillemots, like other seabird species living in the North Sea, appear to be heavily contaminated by copper. Metallothioneins are present in both liver and kidney but, at least in the specimens stranded along the Belgian coast, fail to maintain constant the copper, zinc and cadmium load of the high molecular weight soluble proteins of both organs, stressing the potential toxic role of these metals, mainly copper. [less ▲]

Pathology of oiled seabirds along the Belgian coast during the 1992-1993 winter

in meeting report (1996)

Causes de mortalité et teneur en métaux lourds de Guillemots de Troïl Uria aalge échoués le long du littoral belge.

in Bulletin de la Société Royale des Sciences de Liège (1994), 63(1-2), 211-217