Excerpt from Exposure of Marine Birds to Environmental Pollutants Lethal and reproductive effects of organochlorines on marine birds have been most pronounced in coastal areas receiving effluents discharged by manufacturing plants. For example, particularly severe ddt contamination in southern California and elevated levels of dieldrin and related chemicals in the Netherlands have killed local marine birds or inhibited their reproduction. Eggshell thinning, apparently resulting from exposure to dde, is widespread among estuarine species, and eggshells of peregrine falcons (falco peregrinus) have become thinner in all areas of the species' range thus far studied. In more contaminated coastal areas, reproductive success of the peregrine falcon is low. Adverse effects of organochlorines on the reproduction of other species also have been found. The oiling of feathers and the associated mortality of marine birds are not the only adverse effects of oil pollution; ingestion of oil may cause death by dehydration by interfering with ion transport and water balance in the gut. Surfactants used to disperse oil spills also have serious consequences for ma rine birds. Dissolved oil fractions may kill or poison the biota the birds feed on. The physiological effects of the incorporation of more persistent com pounds into marine food webs are unknown. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

A literature review summarizing the effects known to date.

This book describes how man-made litter, primarily plastic, has spread into the remotest parts of the oceans and covers all aspects of this pollution problem from the impacts on wildlife and human health to socio-economic and political issues. Marine litter is a prime threat to marine wildlife, habitats and food webs worldwide. The book illustrates how advanced technologies from deep-sea research, microbiology and mathematic modelling as well as classic beach litter counts by volunteers contributed to the broad awareness of marine litter as a problem of global significance. The authors summarise more than five decades of marine litter research, which receives growing attention after the recent discovery of great oceanic garbage patches and the ubiquity of microscopic plastic particles in marine organisms and habitats. In 16 chapters, authors from all over the world have created a universal view on the diverse field of marine litter pollution, the biological impacts, dedicated research activities, and the various national and international legislative efforts to combat this environmental problem. They recommend future research directions necessary for a comprehensive understanding of this environmental issue and the development of efficient management strategies. This book addresses scientists, and it provides a solid knowledge base for policy makers, NGOs, and the broader public.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is the premier public resource on scientific and technological developments that impact global security. Founded by Manhattan Project Scientists, the Bulletin's iconic "Doomsday Clock" stimulates solutions for a safer world.