The Deadly Bird Killer
Author: Lesley Romo
Faculty Supervisor: Jaime Chaves
Department: Biology
Birds all over the world have been affected by pesticides like DDT for many decades. Pesticides like DDT were disposed of in the ocean at dump sites or through sewage systems, ending up in major rivers from agricultural runoff. Millions of barrels could still be in the ocean today, it is mostly found in the sediment on the bottom of bodies of water. However, no studies have shown if inland or coastal birds have been affected equally by pesticides. In my paper, I plan to compare inland birds to the data we have of coastal birds and how they are affected by pesticides. I will compare the different challenges faced to their reproduction system, immune system, and nervous system. I plan to look for papers and reports that can show me how inland birds are being affected by pesticides. I want to find reports on birds that are closer to sites that have used heavy agricultural pesticides. I will also use reports on the health of birds that have been around industrial areas, where they have been exposed to toxins. In my study, I was able to show that coastal birds have been affected the most by pesticides. It is important to know if inland birds are being affected by pesticides to be able to put regulations on pesticides that are affecting bird populations and their ecosystems.