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TitleIncreased thyroid hormone levels in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) on reclaimed wetlands of the Athabasca oil sands
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsGentes, M. - L., McNabb A., Waldner C., & Smits J. E. G.
Volume53
Issue2
Pagination5 pages
PublisherArchives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
Publication Languageeng
Keywordsbirds, UofS, wetlands
Abstract

The oil sands of Alberta, Canada are one of the world’s largest reserves of crude oil. Oil sands mining companies are now investigating the ecological impacts of reclamation strategies in which wetlands are used for the bioremediation of waste materials. To examine the endocrine disrupting potential of chemicals in Oil Sands Process Materials (OSPM), thyroid hormone concentrations were measured in plasma and thyroid glands of nestling tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) from wetlands partly filled with mine tailings. Plasma triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations and thyroxine (T4) content within thyroid glands were elevated in nestlings from OSPM sites compared to those from the reference site. Results suggested enhanced hormone synthesis by the thyroid glands independently of activation of the pituitary–thyroid axis, as well as increased deiodination of T4 into T3 in peripheral tissues. This might have resulted from exposure to oil sands associated chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and from environmental factors such as food availability. Modulation of thyroid function might have negative effects on metabolism, behavior, feather development, and molt, which could compromise postfledging survival.

URLhttp://search.proquest.com/docview/729377455/F99CC5EEED3D4546PQ
Locational Keywords

Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR)

Active Link

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/5659381116

Group

OSEMB

Citation Key52625

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