Nationwide Residues of Organochlorine Pesticides in Wings of Mallards and Black Ducks

Authors

Robert G. Heath, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Date of this Version

9-1969

Citation

Pesticides Monitoring Journal, VOL. 3, No.2, SEPTEMBER 1969, pp. 115-123.

Comments

U.S. government work.

Abstract

Nationwide monitoring of organochlorine pesticides in wings of more than 24,000 mallards and black ducks bagged during the 1965 and 1966 hunting seasons showed DDE to be the predominant residue, followed in order by DDT, DDD, dieldrin, and heptachlor epoxide. Residues were generally highest in wings from the Atlantic and Pacific Flyways, and lowest in the Central Flyway. DDE was reported for every State and was notably high in wings from New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Alabama, California, and Utah. Dieldrin residues were prevalent in wings from Arkansas, Texas, Utah, California, and several States in the Atlantic Flyway.