Toxicological properties of white phosphorus (P{sub 4}): Effect of particle size
- Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH (United States)
The ingestion of particles of white phosphorus (P{sub 4}) causes mortality of waterfowl at Eagle River Flats, Alaska. P{sub 4} poisoning results in behaviors that attract predators. To date, the toxic properties of P{sub 4} have been characterized when P{sub 4} is dissolved in various digestible oils. Herein, the authors compare the properties of dissolved P{sub 4} to particulate P{sub 4}. Farm-reared mallards (Anas Platvrhynchos) were gavaged with P{sub 4} (12 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in oil, large particles (1.87 mm mean diameter), or small particles (0.95 mm diameter). Signs of intoxication and times to convulsion were monitored. Individuals were autopsied at the onset of convulsions. P{sub 4} in digestive tracts and body fat was analyzed by gas chromatography. For all 3 treatments, the behaviors of P{sub 4} intoxication were similar to observations of wild ducks. There was no difference between treatments for onset of lethargy, vomiting, poor motor/muscle control, or the first convulsive event. At autopsy, P{sub 4} was found throughout the digestive tracts with residual quantities of approximately 20% or less of the dose. Very little of the dissolved P{sub 4} remained in gizzards; whereas, in the small and large particle groups, the gizzard contents contained 78% and 64%, respectively, of the total P{sub 4} within the digestive tracts. Tissue concentrations of P{sub 4} were small and did not appear to be a significant source of P{sub 4} to predators. In conclusion, intoxication from particles of P{sub 4} is largely not a function of the size of the particles, but rather the dose. Residual P{sub 4} in the digestive tracts represents a risk to secondary receptors. These relative risks of particulate P{sub 4} to tissue P{sub 4} are somewhat similar to poisoning from lead shot.
- OSTI ID:
- 218472
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9511137-; ISBN 1-880611-03-1; TRN: IM9619%%193
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 2. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) world conference, Vancouver (Canada), 5-9 Nov 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Second SETAC world congress (16. annual meeting): Abstract book. Global environmental protection: Science, politics, and common sense; PB: 378 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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