Chlorinated hydrocarbons in eggs of grey heron (Ardea cinerea L.) in France (Lac de Grandlieu)

Nineteen eggs of grey heron (Ardea cinera L.) were collected from nests in France (Lac de Grandlieu) for OCP and PCB residue analysis. α-HCH, δ-HCH, dieldrine, p,p′-DDD and p,p′-DDT were never detected in any of the eggs. In contrast, significant amounts of HCB, β-HCH, γ-HCH, HE, p,p′-DDE and PCBs were quantified by GC/ECD and identified by GC/MS in most of the eggs. Moreover, the two later pollutants were found in all samples analyzed. Nevertheless, chlorinated hydrocarbon concentrations in eggs of grey heron were lower than those associated with reproductive effects known in field and laboratory for other bird species.