Human and wildlife populations are exposed to multiple contaminants worldwide. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) cause adverse effects on behavior, fecundity, growth, survival and disease resistance.

The DISRUPT project (sites.utu.fi/disrupt/) investigates EDC exposure and their biological effects in breeding female waterbirds and their offspring. We particularly focus on the Common Eider Somateria mollissima. During the past decades the Baltic breeding population of common eider has largely declined. A parallel increase in adult male sex ratio bias has been observed. In addition, increasing breeding failure have been observed at the egg/hatchling stage.

We have established that Finnish breeding female ducks are contaminated by a mixture of EDCs including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), some of emerging concern, phthalates, benzophenones, and lead (Pb). We also show a transfer of EDCs from the females to their eggs.