Effects of oil and oil burn residues on seabird feathers

Janne Fritt-Rasmussen, Jannie Fries Linnebjerg, Martin X. Sørensen, Nicholas L. Brogaard, Frank F. Rigét, Paneeraq Kristensen, Grunde Jomaas, David M. Boertmann, Susse Wegeberg, Kim Gustavson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

It is well known, that in case of oil spill, seabirds are among the groups of animals most vulnerable. Even small amounts of oil can have lethal effects by destroying the waterproofing of their plumage, leading to loss of insulation and buoyancy. In the Arctic these impacts are intensified. To protect seabirds, a rapid removal of oil is crucial and in situ burning could be an efficient method. In the present work exposure effects of oil and burn residue in different doses was studied on seabird feathers from legally hunted Common eider (Somateria mollissima) by examining changes in total weight of the feather and damages on the microstructure (Amalgamation Index) of the feathers before and after exposure. The results of the experiments indicate that burn residues from in situ burning of an oil spill have similar or larger fouling and damaging effects on seabird feathers, as compared to fresh oil.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)446-452
Number of pages7
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume109
Issue number1
Early online date2016 Jan 19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016 Aug 15
Externally publishedYes

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Other Biological Topics

Free keywords

  • Burn residues
  • Damage
  • Feathers
  • In situ burning
  • Oil spill
  • Seabirds

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