Organochlorine and mercury residues in canvasback duck eggs, 1972--1973

Journal Article · Fri Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1977 · J. Wildl. Manage.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3800516· OSTI ID:5038178

Stendell, R C; Cromartie, E; Wiemeyer, S N; Longcore, J R

Eggs of canvasback ducks (Aythya valisineria) from several major breeding areas were analyzed for organochlorine and mercury residues. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were detected in 96 of 97 eggs, in concentrations up to 29 ppM (wet wt.). DDE occurred in 79% of the samples with a maximum residue of 12 ppM (wet wt.). DDT, DDD, dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene, cis-chlordane, heptachlor epoxide, and oxychlordane were detected less frequently. Mercury was detected in only 6 of 34 eggs analyzed. Most of the eggs contained concentrations of organochlorines and mercury below levels known to cause adverse effects on avian survival or reproduction.

• Research Organization: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD
• OSTI ID: 5038178
• Journal Information: J. Wildl. Manage.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Wildl. Manage.; (United States) Vol. 41:3; ISSN JWMAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560305* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
AROMATICS
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIRDS
DUCKS
EGGS
ELEMENTS
FOWL
MERCURY
METALS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
VERTEBRATES