Organochlorine and polychlorinated biphenyl contamination in black neck stilt, Himantopus mexicanus, eggs from the Savannah and Tybee National Wildlife Refuges

Since previous studies had determined organic contamination in Savannah Harbor sediments, an assessment was needed to determine its potential effects on wildlife species which frequently used surrounding areas as feeding and breeding habitats. Ninety percent of the black neck stilt egg contents evaluated contained p,p′-DDE, and 14% of the egg contents contained more than one PCB congener. Ninety percent of chorioallantoic membranes evaluated contained p,p′-DDE. Data from this study will provide information necessary to evaluate proposed measures to enhance bird use of confined disposal facilities associated with Savannah Harbor and will serve as a baseline for future ecotoxicological information gathered to better manage bird nesting areas along the Atlantic coast.