Residues of chlorinated pesticides in the eggs of Karelian birds, 1989–90

Eggs (n = 52) of four aquatic bird species (Larus canus, Larus argentatus, Larus ridibundus, Sterna hirundo) and crow (Corvus cornix), collected in Southern Karelia in 1989 and 1990, contained DDE and lindane. The highest mean levels of these pollutants were in herring gull eggs and in common tern eggs. The lowest mean levels of pesticides were in crow eggs. In all eggs, DDE concentrations were lower than the critical threshold and it seems, cannot influence reproductive success.