Accumulation pattern and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in liver tissues of seven species of birds from Ahmedabad, India, during 2005-2007

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in liver tissues of seven species of birds collected from Ahmedabad, India during 2005-2007. All the samples collected were dead as victims of kite flying. Concentrations of aPAHs in livers of birds were ranged from 110 +/- 32.6 ng/g wet wt (1,078 +/- 320 lipid wt) in common myna Acridotheres tristis to 382 +/- 90.1 ng/g (2,388 +/- 563 lipid wt) in white-backed vulture. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences in aPAHs were observed among species. However, year of collection and sex of birds did not show significant differences in concentrations of PAHs. The levels of aPAHs measured in the present study species were higher than the levels documented for a number of avian species and were lower than those reported to have deleterious effects on survival or reproduction of birds. Presence of PAH residues in birds of Ahmedabad city show the continuous input of PAHs through environmental exposure. Although no threat is posed by any of the hydrocarbons detected, continuous monitoring of breeding colonies of birds is recommended in unpolluted reference sites as well as polluted sites. It is also the first account of a comprehensive analysis of PAHs in various species of birds in India. Therefore, the values reported in this study can serve as baseline values for future research.