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Organochlorine residues in starlings, 1972
Pesticides Monitoring Journal
|March 1, 1975
Summary
Starling pesticide monitoring in 1972 revealed declining DDT and dieldrin levels. Further decreases are predicted, indicating successful reduction of these persistent organic pollutants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Wildlife Monitoring
Background:
- The National Pesticide Monitoring Program tracks pollutant levels in wildlife.
- Starlings are bioindicators for environmental contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess organochlorine pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl levels in starlings in 1972.
- To evaluate trends in pesticide contamination since 1967.
Main Methods:
- Collected starling samples from 130 sites nationwide.
- Analyzed samples for DDT, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, benzene hexachloride, polychlorinated biphenyls, oxychlordane, and HCB using gas chromatography.
- Performed regression analysis to predict future residue levels.
Main Results:
- Significant declines in mean DDT and dieldrin residue levels were observed compared to 1967.
- Oxychlordane and HCB were measured for the first time in this monitoring series.
- Regression analysis indicated a projected mean DDT and metabolite level below 0.1 ppm for 1974.
Conclusions:
- Pesticide reduction efforts have been effective, leading to lower DDT and dieldrin concentrations in starlings.
- Continued monitoring is essential to track the impact of environmental regulations on wildlife.
- Future studies should focus on emerging contaminants and their long-term effects.