Gastrointestinal and respiratory exposure of water birds to endocrine disrupting phenolic compounds

Abstract Aquatic birds found at the top of the trophic chain are exposed to xenobiotics present both in food and inhaled air. The aim of this study was to indicate and assess the routes and levels of exposure of aquatic birds to bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP) and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP). The birds constituting the study material (Clangula hyemalis, Alca torda, Mergus merganser) originated from by-catches (winter 2014–2016) in the Southern Baltic. The studies show that the exposure of birds to phenol derivatives is determined by the specifics of a compound, the habitat area, trophic level and food consumed. BPA was characterized by the highest intestinal concentrations in all birds (6.6–1176.2 ng.g−1 dw). Higher concentrations of 4-t-OP were determined in the lungs of birds from the eastern part of the Southern Baltic (9.1–135.7 ng.g−1 dw) and in the intestines of birds from the western part (