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ASSESSING BISPHENOL A (BPA) IN THE LUNGS, LIVER, MUSCLE, AND DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF WILD BIRDS: A STUDY TO DETERMINE CONTAMINATION AND EXPOSURE PATHWAYS**

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a primary reagent used during the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA has a hydrogen bonding potential that allows for its solubility in water and thus the ability to contaminate a variety of water sources. A portion of the BPA molecule is lipophilic, giving it the additional ability to bind to and accumulate in tissues. With that said, BPA's presence in the environment is ubiquitous, and the nature of the molecule poses a plethora of harmful effects. BPA is a xenoestrogen, resulting in the mimicking of estrogen and thus decreased levels of testosterone and feminization of organisms. Furthermore, BPA is a known carcinogen and has an association with neurodegeneration, diabetes, and toxicity of the liver. Our previous studies focused on testing for BPA in the digestive system of birds. For this study however, we propose multiple goals- one being the determination of prevalent contamination routes of BPA in birds by sampling the digestive system and lungs. By comparing the concentrations of these different organs/organ systems, we hope to determine whether inhalation or ingestion is a more prevalent contamination route. In addition, we also hope to determine the degree of BPA metabolism by the liver by determining the concentration in this organ. Finally, due to the limitation of needing one gram of material in order to detect BPA in biological samples, we hope to determine whether the large pectoralis muscle of the bird can be used in determining BPA concentration. The use of this large muscle would allow for the BPA concentration determination of additional species that would otherwise be too small. As an ongoing project, we do not yet have results with which we may run analyses at this point.

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