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At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
USGS1975

Residues of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls and autopsy data for bald eagles, 1971-72

Thirty-seven bald eagles found sick or dead in 18 States during 1971-72 were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's). DDE and PCB's were detected in all bald eagle carcasses; 30 carcasses contained DDD and 28 contained dieldrin. Four eagles contained possibly lethal levels of dieldrin and nine eagles had been poisoned by thallium. Autopsies revealed that illegal shooting was the most common cause of mortality. Since 1964 when data were first collected, 8 of the 17 eagles obtained from Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida possibly died from dieldrin poisoning; all four specimens from Maryland and Virginia were from the Chesapeake Bay Tidewater area.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1976

Residues of organochlorines and heavy metals in ruddy ducks from the Delaware River, 1973

In December 1973, eight ruddy ducks killed in an oil spill on the Delaware River were collected to be analyzed for residues of environmental pollutants. Whole carcasses were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides and livers were examined for lead, cadmium, and mercury. Residues of polychlorinated biphenyls and DDT and/or its metabolites were present in all carcasses. Dieldrin and hexachlorobenzene were present in seven of the eight samples. All livers contained detectable levels of lead, cadmium, and mercury.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1976

Nationwide residues of organochlorines in wings of adult mallards and black ducks, 1972-73

Organochlorine residues in wings of adult mallards and black ducks were monitored during the 1972-73 hunting season. DDE, DDT, DDD, dieldrin, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) were present in all samples. Mallard wings from Alabama contained the highest mean levels of DDE, DDT, DDD, dieldrin, and PCB's. Mallards and black ducks from the Atlantic Flyway and mallards from the Pacific Flyway contained significantly lower DDE residues than in 1969-70. Black ducks from the Atlantic Flyway contained significantly less dieldrin than in 1969-70, and mallards in the Central and Pacific Flyways contained significantly lower levels of PCB's. As in 1969-70, DDE residues were lowest in the Central Flyway and highest in the Atlantic Flyway. The average PCB level remained unchanged in the Atlantic Flyway but was higher in the Mississippi Flyway than in 1969-70, probably because of the unusually high levels in Alabama samples. All organochlorine residues in black ducks from the Atlantic Flyway significantly correlated. DDE concentrations in mallards from the Atlantic Flyway significantly correlated with those of DDT, DDD, and PCB's.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1976

Nationwide residues of organochlorines in starlings, 1974

Organochlorine residues in starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) from 126 collection sites were monitored during the fall of 1974. DDE, DDT, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), and benzene hexachloride were present in all samples. Dieldrin, heptachlor expoxide, hexachlorobenzene, and oxychlordane were present in approximately 97% of the samples. DDE, dieldrin, and PCB residues in starlings were significantly lower than they had been in 1972.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1976

Mercury in eggs of aquatic birds, Lake St. Clair-1973

Eggs from four species of aquatic birds inhabiting waterways of the Lake St. Clair region were collected in 1973 and analyzed for mercury. Species analyzed were mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), common terns (Sterna hirundo), black-crowned night herons (Nycticorax nycticorax), and great egrets (Casmerodius albus). Mallard eggs contained relatively low residue levels, less than 0.05-0.26 ppm, and common tern eggs contained the highest residues, ranging up to 1.31 ppm. Mercury levels in the eggs were appreciably lower than those in the same species in 1970. The declines are attributed to the 1970 restrictions placed on industrial discharges of mercury into the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1976

Organochlorine residues in three bat species from four localities in Maryland and West Virginia, 1973

In 1973, 119 bats of three species were collected from four localities in Maryland and West Virginia. The collection included 43 big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), 43 little brown brown bats (Myotis lucifugus), and 33 eastern pipistrelles (Pipistrellus subflavus). The bats were collected from Round Top Mountain, Washington Co., Md.; Trout Cave, Pendleton Co., W. Va.; Montpelier Barn, Prince Georges Co., Md. Residues of sigmaDDT were highest in carcasses of bats from Round Top Mountain, which is surrounded by apple orchards. Bats from Trout Cave had the lowest residues, a circumstance which probably reflects the absence of agriculture and industry in the area. A polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and oxychlordane were highest at Montpelier Barn. Sources of the PCB are unknown, but chlordane is used against termites and in gardening at nearby housing developments. Residues in bats from North East Methodist Church were low except for dieldrin. Among species, little brown bats usually had the highest residue concentrations in their carcasses, whereas big brown bats had the lowest. When DDE in carcass fat of all species was above 60-90 ppm, it became measurable in brain tissue. Above 60-90 ppm, DDE levels in brains rose with increasing levels in carcass lipids. Residues of the PCB tended to respond similarly. Residue levels in brains were greatest in little brown bats; the maximum level of the PCB, 7.9 Ppm, was more than twice that of DDE.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1977

Nationwide residues of mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, and selenium in starlings, 1973

Starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris ) collected in 1973 at 51 sites throughout the continental United States were analyzed for mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, and selenium. All samples contained detectable levels of these elements. In general, residues were low: mercury residues ranged from <0.01 to 0.20 ppm: lead, from <0.10 10 3.20 ppm: cadmium, from <0.05 to 0.20 ppm: arsenic, from <0.05 to 1.40 ppm: and selenium, from 0.10 to 1.10 ppm. There was a significant overall decline in mercury and lead residues in starlings since 1971, and a significant increase in arsenic residues. Lead residues were significantly higher in starlings from urban areas than from rural areas.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1977

Residues of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls and autopsy data for bald eagles, 1973-74

Thirty-nine bald eagles found sick or dead in 13 States during 1969 and 1970 were analyzed for pesticide residues. Residues of DDE, dieldrin, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), and mercury were detected in all bald eagle carcasses; DDD residues were detected in 38; DDT, heptachlor epoxide, and dichlorobenzophenone (DCBP) were detected less frequently. Six eagles contained possible lethal levels of dieldrin in the brain, and one contained a lethal concentration of DDE (385 ppm) in the brain together with 235 ppm of PCB's. Autopsy revealed that 18 bald eagles were illegally shot; other causes of death were impact injuries, electrocution, emaciation, and infectious diseases.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1977

Organochlorine pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl residues in selected fauna from a New Jersey salt marsh--1967 vs. 1973

More than a half million pounds of DDT were applied to control mosquitoes in salt marsh estuaries of Cape May County, New Jersey, from 1946 to 1966. The use of DDT was discontinued in the County after 1966. In 1967, mean concentrations of DDT and metabolites ranged from 0.63 to 9.05 ppm in aquatic fauna, but by 1973 mean residue levels had decreased 84 to 99 percent among nine species. DDE was still present at reduced levels in nearly all samples in 1973, but other DDT isomers had mostly disappeared. Dieldrin was detected only in clapper rails, and residue levels decreased during the period. Mean concentrations of PCB's increased in the clapper rail, remained the same in the fiddler crab and mud snail, and decreased in the sheepshead minnow, mummichog, striped killifish, and salt marsh snail. Small amounts of mirex, toxaphene, cis-chlordane (and/or trans-nonachlor), oxychlordane, and HCB were detected in a few specimens.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1977

Residues of organochlorines and heavy metals in tissues and eggs of brown pelicans, 1969-73

Shells of brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) eggs collected in South Carolina from 1969 through 1973 were significantly thinner than shells of those collected before 1947. Residues of 10 organochlorine pollutants and 10 heavy metals were found in these eggs. Total organochlorine residues were apparently magnified 23 times from fish to pelican eggs, but interpretation of biomagnification was complicated by the migratory habits of both the pelicans and their chief prey fish. Residues of organochlorine pollutants and heavy metals were also found in tissues of brown pelicans. Dieldrin was probably involved in the death of a pelican that exhibited myocardial necrosis. Other pelicans died from gunshot wounds, various diseases, or unknown causes. From 1969 through 1973, there was a significant decline in residues of p-p'-DDE, p-p'-TDE, p-p'DDT, and dieldrin in eggs of the brown pelican in South Carolina, but the rate of decline was different for each pollutant. PCB's peaked in 1972 and then declined in 1973 to the lowest level in 5 years. In 1973, the first time in many years, South Carolina brown pelicans reproduced very well. The excellent reproductivity seemed related to lowered organochlorine residues and favorable tides, weather, and food supply.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1978

Organochlorine insecticide and polychlorinated biphenyl residues in woodcock wings, 1971-72

Pesticide residues in wings of adult woodcock (Philohela minor) were used to monitor regional differences in a 1970-71 survey of DDT, DDE, TDE, dieldrin, mirex, and PCBs in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Lousiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. In 1971-72, wings were sampled again to compare levels of organochlorine insecticide residues with those of the previous survey and to delineate differences in residue values between adult and immature woodcock. Three additional states, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Vermont, and one additional organochlorine insecticide, heptachlor epoxide, were included in the second survey. Residue levels in the 1971-72 wings showed the same pattern as that observed in 1970-71: organochlorine insecticide residues were highest in wings collected in the southern states and in New Jersey; residues were lowest in samplings taken in the northern and midwestern states. Residues of DDT, TDE, and dieldrin in the 1971-72 wings were slightly lower than those found in 1970-71. DDE, PCB, and mirex residues were significantly lower (P<0.05, P<0.01, and P<0.01, respectively) in 1971-72. Wings of immature woodcock in Louisiana had significantly lower (P <0.05) mirex residues than did adult wings.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1978

Shell thinning and pesticide residues in Texas aquatic bird eggs, 1970

Significant decreases in eggshell thickness were found in 15 of 22 species of aquatic birds in Texas in 1970. Shell thickness reductions of 9 to 15 percent were found in white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), brown pelicans (P .occidentalis), and great blue herons (Ardea herodias). DDT family compounds were found in all eggs, and mean residues ranged from 0.4 ppm in white ibis (Eudocimus albus) to 23.2 ppm in great egrets (Casmerodius albus). GDDT residues were negatively correlated with shell thickness in five species; PCBs were negatively correlated in two. Residues in marine birds were generally lower and more uniform than levels in birds feeding in fresh and brackish water. DDT and dieldrin residues were higher in eggs from colonies near agricultural areas where these insecticides were heavily used; higher PCB residues were consistently associated with urban and industrial areas. Populations of five species have declined and deserve continued study: brown pelican, reddish egret (Dichromanassa rufescens), white-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi), laughing gull (Larus atricilla), and Forster's tern (Sterna forsteri). Population trends of four other species were undetermined and should be followed closely in future years.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1978

Organochlorine residues and reproduction in the little brown bat, Laurel, Maryland - June 1976

Twelve of 43 pregnant little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) collected at Montpelier Barn, Laurel, Maryland, gave birth to dead young. Eleven of these 12 dead neonates were abnormally small. Most of the stillbirths were attributable to unknown reproductive difficulties associated with first pregnancies, but four may have been due to high concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in the newborn. Residues of the PCB, DDE, and oxychlordane crossed the placenta at similar rates.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1979

Nationwide residues of organochlorine compounds in wings of adult mallards and black ducks, 1976-77

Organochlorine residues in wings of adult mallards and black ducks were monitored nationwide during the 1976-77 hunting season. DDE was found in all samples. Levels were unchanged since the 1972-73 collections in all migratory routes except the Pacific Flyway, in which residue levels declined significantly. Dieldrin levels had not changed in any flyway and residues remained low. PCB levels declined significantly in the Atlantic Flyway but remained stable in other flyways. Heptachlor epoxide, mirex, endrin, hexachlorobenzene, and chlordane isomers were detected in low amounts in some samples.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1979

Nationwide residues of organochlorine compounds in starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), 1976

Organochlorine pesticide and PCB residues in starlings from 126 sites within the contiguous 48 states were monitored during fall 1976. The average nationwide level of DDE and PCBs has increased significantly since 1974, but the number of sites reporting PCB residues has decreased fivefold. Dieldrin residues have remained unchanged since 1974. Highest DDE levels occurred in samples from parts of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Louisiana, and New Mexico.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1979

Organochlorine residues in young herons from the upper Mississippi River-1976

Chicks of great blue herons (Ardea herodias) from four heronaries located near South St. Paul, Royalton, and Wabasha, Minnesota, and La Crosse, Wisconsin, were analyzed for organochlorines, Highest mean wet-weight concentrations, 6.43 ppm PCBs. 1.31 ppm DDE, and 1.90 ppm sigma DDT, were found in the South St. Paul chicks. Among chicks from the other three heronries, most levels were similar, but were significantly lower than levels in South St. Paul chicks. Lowest mean organochlorine levels, 0.37 ppm DDE, 0.38 ppm sigma DDT, and 0.22 ppm PCBs, were found in chicks from Royalton. All birds from South St. Paul and La Crosse contained residues of DDT and TDE whereas only one of the 10 birds from Royalton contained DDT and one contained TDE residues. Five of the 12 birds from Wabasha contained DDT; eight contained TDE. Except for PCB residues in La Crosse heron chicks, the rate of organochlorine residue accumulation in the birds was generally less than the rate of dilution caused by growth.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1979

Effects of organochlorine residues on eggshell thickness, reproduction, and population status of brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) in South Carolina and Florida, 1969-76

Shells of brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) eggs collected in South Carolina from 1969 through 1975 and in Florida during 1969, 1970, and 1974 were significantly thinner (P greater than 0.05) than eggshells collected before 1947. Thickness of South Carolina eggshells increased in 1975, and mean thickness of eggshells collected in Florida during 1974 was greater than that of eggshells collected during 1969 and 1970, primarily in Gulf Coast colonies. Residues of 13 organochlorines were found in eggs and tissues of pelicans found dead during 1974 and 1975, although residues in brains of these specimens were not high enough to cause death. Residues of organochlorines, except PCBs, declined through 1975. PCBs increased in eggs from Atlantic Coast colonies. Reproductive success and population status of brown pelicans in South Carolina have improved markedly since authors began their studies in 1969. Good reproductive success was reported in 3 of 5 years from 1973 through 1977.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗
USGS1979

Organochlorine residues in six species of estuarine birds, South Carolina, 1971-75

In South Carolina between 1971 and 1975, authors evaluated the occurrence of organochlorine residues in the laughing gull (Larus atricilla), white ibis (Eudocimus albus), glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus), and ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres). Tissues of birds found dead and eggs were analyzed, eggshell thicknesses were measured, and incidental observations were made of reproductive success and population status. Eggshell thickness of the white bis, American oystercatcher, and laughing gull were not significantly different (P less than 0.05) from the pre-1947 norms. DDE and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were found most frequently and at the highest concentration in eggs. DDE residues declined significantly in oystercatcher eggs, and declined slightly in laughing gull eggs; no change was noted in white ibis eggs. No consistent trends were found for dieldrin and PCBs. Authors found no obvious problems with reproductive success of any species. Populations of the five species breeding in South Carolina appear stable. The white ibis and laughing gull in South Carolina have experienced population explosions over the past 50 years; the glossy ibis has increased substantially since the first documented breeding records in 1947.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗