Comparison between the burden of xenobiotics in eggs of the Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) from Brandenburg and North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Eggs from Sparrowhawks from Brandenburg (former GDR) and North-Rhine-Westph alia (former FRG) were examined for their burden of PCB, DDT, HCH, HCB and the heavy metals lead and cadmium. Significant differences emerged in the c ases of PCB and DDT and its metabolites between the populations of the two regions. The other examined xenobiotics were detectable only in low concent rations. The DDT concentrations were distinctly higher in the samples from the former GDR, while PCB concentrations were higher in the eggs from North -Rhine-Westphalia. The results reflect clearly the different use and prohib ition of the examined xenobiotics in the two former german states. In spite of the differences in the PCB burden, the PCB pattern in the eggs of the d ifferent regions is nearly identical. Eggshell indices correlate negatively with DDT burden in both sample areas.