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Review of Effects of Water Pollution on the Breeding Success of Waterbirds, with Particular Reference to Ardeids in Hong Kong

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Abstract

Predatory waterbirds, such as ardeids, are susceptible to bioaccumulation of pollutants through the ingestion of contaminated food sources. High body burdens of contaminants, including PCBs, PAHs, cadmium, mercury, lead, copper, zinc and arsenic have been detected in many bird species worldwide. There is a paucity of literature, however, linking contaminant body burden and effects on reproductive success in waterbirds. This review is a synthesis of pertinent literature on this topic, with specific reference to contaminant residues in various tissue types, relationship between body burden and reproductive success, and the use of biomarkers to predict more serious adverse affects. The impetus for this review was the development of a conservation strategy and management plan (commissioned by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR)) for an important wetland in Hong Kong that supports many threatened waterbirds, including ardeids.

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  1. Paul K.S. Lam

    Present address: Research Centre for Coastal Pollution and Conservation, Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong

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  1. Research Centre for Coastal Pollution and Conservation, Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong

    Sharon B. De Luca-Abbott, Bryan S.F. Wong, Michael H.W. Lam & Bruce J. Richardson

  2. 17 St. Mary's Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 7BZ, United Kingdom

    David B. Peakall

  3. World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong, 1 Tramway Path, Central, Hong Kong

    L. Young

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De Luca-Abbott, S.B., Wong, B.S., Peakall, D.B. et al. Review of Effects of Water Pollution on the Breeding Success of Waterbirds, with Particular Reference to Ardeids in Hong Kong. Ecotoxicology 10, 327–349 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012288811808

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