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Changes in levels of organochlorines in woodcock wings from 1971 to 1975

January 1, 1984

Wings from woodcock (Philohela minor) were first monitored for organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the eastern U.S. in 1971. Regional differences in these compounds were clearly demonstrated and baseline residue levels were obtained for later comparisons. An expanded sampling of wings in 1972 revealed that residues in wings of adult woodcock may differ significantly from those in immatures, and that residues of several important agricultural insecticides and PCBs had declined significantly. More extensive sampling was undertaken in 1975 to determine if changes in residue levels had taken place in the intervening years. PCBs, mirex, and heptachlor epoxide increased significantly between 1972 and 1975 in adult woodcock wings. In immature woodcock wings mirex, dieldrin, and PCBs increased significantly between 1972 and 1975, but DDT residues decreased significantly.

Publication Year 1984
Title Changes in levels of organochlorines in woodcock wings from 1971 to 1975
DOI 10.1007/BF00398779
Authors M. A. R. McLane, D.L. Hughes, G. H. Heinz
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Index ID 5221933
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Patuxent Wildlife Research Center