Mixed function oxidase activity and chlorinated hydrocarbon residues in antarctic sea-birds: South Polar Skua (Catharacta maccormicki) and Adelie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae)

Mixed function oxidase activity (MFO) and chlorinated hydrocarbon residues were studied in the Antarctic Adelie penguin and south polar skua, collected on Ross Island (Antarctica). The results show, striking differences in MFO activities and organochlorines in the two species. Aldrin epoxidase, 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and cytochrome c reductase activities were very low in penguins, whereas skuas showed activities similar to those reported for certain northern hemisphere larids. Organochlorine residue analysis showed polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in liver about five times higher in skuas than in penguins.