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Published on: July 4, 2014
Absorption by sheep of dieldrin from contaminated soil
1Avon Districts Agriculture Centre, Agriculture Western Australia, Northam.
Australian Veterinary Journal
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Sheep exposed to dieldrin-contaminated soil accumulate residues in body fat. Soil type significantly impacts accumulation, with organic and clay soils leading to higher levels than sandy soils.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Veterinary Science
- Agricultural Chemistry
Background:
- Pesticide contamination of soils poses risks to livestock.
- Understanding residue accumulation in sheep is crucial for food safety and animal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the accumulation and persistence of dieldrin residues in sheep following ingestion of contaminated soils.
- To evaluate the influence of soil type on dieldrin accumulation in sheep.
Main Methods:
- Controlled feeding studies involving sheep (Ovis aries) exposed to dieldrin-contaminated soils of varying types (sandy, high clay, high organic matter) and water-soluble dieldrin.
- Analysis of dieldrin concentrations in body fat and wool over specified periods.
- Determination of dieldrin half-life in sheep fat.
Main Results:
- Dieldrin accumulation in sheep body fat was approximately half when ingested via contaminated soil compared to water-soluble forms.
- Soil type significantly affected accumulation: organic matter-rich soils led to nearly threefold higher residues, and clay-rich soils to fourfold higher residues than sandy soils.
- The half-life of dieldrin in sheep fat ranged from 96 to 116 days.
Conclusions:
- Dieldrin residues in sheep fat decrease within 10 days after removing the source of contamination.
- Dieldrin residues accumulate in sheep wool when contaminated soil is ingested.
