Pesticide Monitoring Program Research Articles

Biological monitoring of environmental contaminants: Chlorinated hydrocarbons in eggs of hens

High concentrations of persistent chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide residues were detected by gas-liquid chromatography with an electron capture detector ( 3H), in eggs of hens collected from Lucknow under the pesticide monitoring programme. The present study reveals extremely high contamination of eggs, particularly with DDT and HCH residues. The eggs may be an important source of DDT and HCH build-up in the human body. Residue levels of p, p′-DDT and its metabolites p, p′-DDE and α, β and γ-isomers of HCH were higher in eggs of poultry-farm hens compared to those of domestic hens. Egg yolk contained higher levels compared with egg white, because of the lipophilic nature of pesticides and the high lipid content in the yolk. Average levels of total DDT and HCH residues in the yolk and white in the whole egg of a poultry-farm hen were found to be 18.5 and 4.6 μg respectively, whereas the average levels were 7.4 and 4.1 μg, respectively, in the whole egg of a domestic hen.

Elevated DDE and Toxaphene Residues in Fishes and Birds Reflect Local Contamination in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Elevated DDE and Toxaphene Residues in Fishes and Birds Reflect Local Contamination in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Program examines pollutants' effects on wildlife

The Environmental Contaminant Evaluation (ECE) Program of the US Fish and Wildlife Service performs research studies, contaminant monitoring, and field analysis to ascertain the effects of pesticides, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants on fish, wildlife, and their habitats. ECE accomplishes its task from 2 directions. The field operations staffs located in each of 7 regions across the US investigate local contaminant problems, respond to spills of oil and hazardous substances, review pesticide use programs sponsored by the parent agency, collect samples for the National Pesticide Monitoring Program, and provide expertise on contaminants in the review process for environmental impact statements and permit applications. Research designed to assess the hazards of chemical contaminants to fish and wildlife is performed at 3 centers.

The value of worldwide pesticide residue monitoring systems

Abstract

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) residues in fish.

Analysis of fish collected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the fall 1970 National Pesticide Monitoring Program detected the presence of a compound eluting with, and subsequently identified incorrectly as B-benzenehexachloride. This compound was frequently observed when Florisil cleanup was used in the analysis of organochlorine residues in fish. Examination of selected sample extracts by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), however, indicated that the compound was really hexachlorobenzene (C6CI 6 or HCB). After identification, residue levels were determined in fish collected from waters within the United States.