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Lucille F. Stickel

Publications and source records attributed to Lucille F. Stickel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2015

Pesticide residues in the ecosystem

Pesticide residues have become a component of nearly all living organisms. Nearly all California birds and fish collected in a 1963 pesticide survey contained residues. Discovery of DDT and metabolites in Antarctic animals in 1964 pushed the distribution of pesticides to the remotest portions of the globe. Exchange of pesticides in the aquatic world progresses rapidly, even in the quiet waters of a pond. Any segment of the ecosystem–marshland, pond, forest, or field–receives pesticides of varied amounts and kinds at irregular and unknown intervals. Phytoplankton communities are an important food base in aquatic environments whose productivity can be affected by rather small exposure to pesticides. Degradation and loss of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides from the ecosystem has been shown to proceed slowly. Pesticide-tolerant or resistant populations of fish and possibly other cold-blooded vertebrates have been shown to exist in areas of the south long subjected to pesticide treatments.

Book chapter↗
USGS1984

DDE in birds: Lethal residues and loss rates

Lethal brain residues of DDE 2 were determined experimentally in four species of wild birds given dietary dosage of 1,500 ppm DDE until one-half had died, then sacrificing the survivors, chemically analyzing the tissues, and comparing results in dead birds and survivors. In all species, residues of 300 to 400 ppm of DDE in the brain were considered to show increasing likelihood of death from DDE, confirming results of an earlier study with a single species. Body residues (ppm wet weight) were not diagnostic, overlapping grossly in dead birds and survivors, but averaging higher in survivors. Body residues (ppm lipid base), however, were higher in dead birds and did not overlap those in survivors. Loss rate was followed in grackles fed 1,500 ppm DDE for 7 days, then given untreated feed and sacrificed at intervals of 7, 28, 56, and 112 days. DDE was lost slowly from the bodies, at a rate of 0.30% per day (estimated half-life 229 days). DDE was lost more rapidly from brains, half of the initial concentration being reached in 25 days; concentrations in brains increased thereafter in close correlation with percentage of fat in the body.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS1984

Aroclor 1254 residues in birds: Lethal levels and loss rates

Lethal residues of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined experimentally in four species of wild birds given dietary dosage of 1,500 ppm of Aroclor 1254 ® until one-half had died, sacrificing the survivors, chemically analyzing the tissues, and comparing results in dead birds and survivors. For all species, residues of 310 ppm or higher in the brain showed increasing likelihood of death from PCB poisoning. Residues in dead birds did not differ among species except for starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris ), which averaged slightly lower than the others. However, the species differed in the length of time to 50% mortality and in the levels of PCBs in brains at sacrifice. Concentrations in bodies and livers were not diagnostic when expressed on a wet weight basis. On a lipid basis, however, concentrations of PCBs in bodies of dead birds were higher than in sacrificed birds, but in both groups residues increased with time, suggesting that overlapping values could be expected. Loss rates were followed in grackles ( Quiscalus quiscula ) fed 1,500 ppm PCBs for 8 days, then given untreated feed and sacrificed at intervals of 7, 28, 56, 112, and 224 days. PCB residues were lost from bodies at somewhat irregular rates; overall, the rate was estimated at 0.77% per day (half-life 89 days). Residues in brains generally were related to the percentage of body fat, but also showed a somewhat irregular pattern.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS1980

Ecology of a Maryland population of black rat snakes (Elaphe o. obsoleta)

Behavior, growth and age of black rat snakes under natural conditions were investigated by mark-recapture methods at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center for 22 years (1942-1963), with limited observations for 13 more years (1964-1976). Over the 35-year period, 330 snakes were recorded a total of 704 times. Individual home ranges remained stable for many years; male ranges averaged at least 600 m in diam and female ranges at least 500 m, each including a diversity of habitats, evidenced also in records of foods. Population density was low, probably less than 0.5 snake/ha. Peak activity of both sexes was in May and June, with a secondary peak in September. Large trees in the midst of open areas appeared to serve a significant functional role in the behavioral life pattern of the snake population. Male combat was observed three times in the field. Male snakes grew more rapidly than females, attained larger sizes and lived longer. Some individuals of both sexes probably lived 20 years or more. Weight-length relationships changed as the snakes grew and developed heavier bodies in proportion to length. Growth apparently continued throughout life. Some individuals, however, both male and female, stopped growing for periods of I or 2 years and then resumed, a condition probably related to poor health, suggested by skin ailments.

Maryland↗
USGS1979

Ecological and physiological/toxicological effects of petroleum on aquatic birds: A summary of research activities FY76 through FY78

Oil and gas development and exploration in marine coastal areas and the Great Lakes will result in unavoidable spills of polluting oil. Although large oil spills may kill thousands of birds and stimulate much public concern, the bulk of oil that reaches aquatic environmentS released in the course of normal operations, with a total input into the world's oceans estimated at 6 million metric tons per year. The effects of sublethal low-level oil pollution may be more deleterious to bird populations over the long term than the spectacular bird kills resulting from oil spills. The physiological and ecological effects of oil on waterbirds were examined in a series of laboratory and field experiments, including studies of the effects of oiling on hatchability of eggs; the effects of an oil-contaminated diet on physiological condition, reproduction, and survival; and the accumulation of oil in body tissues. Chemical methodology was developed in support of these studies.

FWS/OBS↗
USGS1972

Lethal mobilization of DDT by cowbirds

This study is an experimental demonstration of lethal mobilization of DDT by brown-headed cowbirds ( Molothrus ater ) and the effects of food deprivation on the distribution and loss of DDT, DDD, and DDE. The principal experimental group consisted of 20 birds fed a dietary dosage of 100 ppm of DDT for 13 days. After 2 days of full rations of untreated food, they were subjected to food restriction. Food was reduced to 43 percent of normal. Seven of the 20 birds died within 4 days. No birds died in the three control groups, treated as follows: ( 1 ) 20 birds fed 100 ppm DDT for 13 days and full rations of untreated food thereafter, (2) 20 birds fed only untreated food but subjected to food restriction, and (3) 20 birds fed full rations of untreated food throughout. In a pilot study, birds were fed 100, 200, or 300 ppm of DDT and subjected to two periods of food restriction, the first of these immediately after dosage ceased and the second 4 months later. DDT-dosed birds from all dosage levels died in each period of food restriction. Before the weight loss that accompanied food restriction, the brains of DDT-dosed birds had concentrations of DDT and DDD that were far below the lethal range. Concentrations increased rapidly to lethal levels. In these birds, DDT in carcasses decreased while DDD increased. DDT-dosed birds that died during food restriction lost 16 percent of their total body burden of DDT + DDD + DDE, 21 percent of their weight, and 81 percent of their fat. The DDT-dosed birds that were subjected to food restriction but survived lost a significantly greater proportion of their body burden of residues than similarly dosed birds not subjected to weight loss. Brain levels of DDT and DDD in birds that died during food restriction soon after dosage did not differ significantly from brain levels of birds that died in a period of food restriction 4 months after dosage. Concentrations of DDE were significantly higher in the latter group, although they were lower than concentrations considered to be lethal. In contrast, carcass levels of DDT and DDD were significantly lower, and DDE was only slightly higher, in the birds that died in the second period of food restriction. It is concluded that stored DDT residues present a hazard to birds, which utilize stored fat during periods of stress due to reproduction, cold weather, disease, injury, limited food supply, or migration.

Journal of Wildlife Management↗
USGS1970

DDE and DDD residues correlated with mortality of experimental birds

Nearly everywhere in nature are found DDE and DDD, which are metabolites of DDT, and they often become concentrated through food chains. DDD is also a commercial insecticide. large amounts of both are frequently found in birds, but the significance of these amounts has puzzled many owrkers. Studies at Clear Lake, California 1 gave some data on DDD danger levels, but less is known of DDE, the member of the DDT group that is most frequent and most abundant in nature. Although DDE is toxic, relatively alrge residues are found in apparently healthy animals. As one step in untanglig the problem, it seemed important to determine the residue levels that indicate danger to life. earlier work with DDR and dieldrin has shown the value of this approach. 2-5, 1 2

Conference Paper↗
USGS1965

Body condition and response to pesticides in woodcocks

Response of woodcocks ( Philohela minor ) to heptachlor dosage was closely related to the physical condition of the birds, as reflected by body weight and by body weight in relation to capture weight: in a series of tests with underweight birds, nearly all woodcocks died at dosage levels well below those at which nearly all the birds in a normal-weight series lived. Heptachlor residues in tissues were determined and their loss with time was estimated. Dieldrin proved more toxic than heptachlor to birds of similar weight. Birds in good weight survived massive doses of DDT; some succumbed to smaller spaced serial doses, but only when these were accompanied by starvation rations. When birds were placed in foil-lined boxes after doses of heptachlor added to butter oil or corn oil, it became evident that they passed quantities of oil in about 3 hours, thus very likely ridding themselves of a large part of the heptachlor dose. It was concluded that other methods than dosage with encapsulated chemicals would be needed for appraisal of field effects of toxicants on woodcocks.

Journal of Wildlife Management↗
USGS1965

Care of captive woodcocks

Numbers of American woodcocks ( Philohela minor ) were held in cages for experimental work lasting several months. Injuries caused by birds attempting to flush were greatly reduced by clipping feathers from one wing, by making cage walls opaque, and by using high cages or false ceilings of fabric. Size of cage was found not to be important, to judge from weight changes, so long as ample food was unmistakably available. Birds were kept in both large and small cages without social conflicts. Cages on the ground proved too unsanitary for long-term use; small steel cages with removable floors were practical but did not solve the sanitation problem. Living earthworms ( Lumbricus terrestris ) were provided daily in amounts roughly equal to weights of birds. Birds gained on this food when worms were offered in suitable ways. The feeding tray recommended is a large roasting pan with a snap-on metal rim that retards loss of worms. Trays contained moist peat in which birds probed for worms. Two efforts to keep woodcocks on a diet of red worms ( Eisenia foetide ) were unsuccessful; use of this worm was considered responsible. Woodcocks were handled and transported for short periods with least injury to them when they were rolled individually in soft bags.

Journal of Wildlife Management↗