Aliphatic hydrocarbons in birds of prey from Galicia (NW Spain).

Eleven aliphatic hydrocarbons, unresolved over resolved ratio (U/R), carbon preference index (CPI), pristane/C17 ratio, and totals were determined in six classes of tissues (heart, liver, intestine, muscle, lung, and kidney) of 10 buzzards (Buteo buteo), 10 barn owls (Tyto alba), and five tawny owls (Strix aluco) from Galicia (NW Spain). Among individuals detected at quantifiable levels, in general, C18 was found to be the most abundant. Total aliphatic hydrocarbons were detected in 77% tissue samples. Phytane was detected in only three samples: intestine and muscle of two buzzards and lung of one barn owl. Pristane was found in 15% of total samples. Juveniles had higher concentrations than adults in the three species. Females had higher levels than males except for C32 and C36 in barn owl, C24 in tawny owls, and all hydrocarbons (except pristane) in buzzards. The highest concentrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons were detected in birds from La Coruña Copyright 2001 Academic Press.