Persistence of organochlorine chemical residues in fish from the Tombigbee River (Alabama, USA): Continuing risk to wildlife from a former DDT manufacturing facility

Authors

Jo Ellen Hinck, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Columbia Environmental Research Center
Ross J. Norstrom, RJN Environmental, 1481 Forest Valley Drive, Ottawa, ON
Carl E. Orazio, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Columbia Environmental Research Center
Christopher J. Schmitt, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Columbia Environmental Research CenterFollow
Donald E. Tillitt, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Columbia Environmental Research Center

Date of this Version

2009

Citation

Environmental Pollution 157 (2009) 582–591

Comments

U.S. Government Work

Abstract

Organochlorine pesticide and total polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations were measured in largemouth bass from the Tombigbee River near a former DDT manufacturing facility at McIntosh, Alabama. Evaluation of mean p,p'- and o,p'-DDT isomer concentrations and o,p'- versus p,p'-isomer proportions in McIntosh bass indicated that DDT is moving off site from the facility and into the Tombigbee River. Concentrations of p,p'-DDT isomers in McIntosh bass remained unchanged from 1974 to 2004 and were four times greater than contemporary concentrations from a national program. Total DDT in McIntosh bass exceeded dietary effect concentrations developed for bald eagle and osprey. Hexachlorobenzene, PCBs, and toxaphene concentrations in bass from McIntosh also exceeded thresholds to protect fish and piscivorous wildlife. Whereas concentrations of DDT and most other organochlorine chemicals in fish have generally declined in the U.S. since their ban, concentrations of DDT in fish from McIntosh remain elevated and represent a threat to wildlife.