Chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide residues in selected insects and birds found in association with cotton fields

Abstract

Insecticide residues were detected in 10 of the 15 insect species examined. The most common insecticide residues were , 'and its metabolite , '-.. The concentrations ranged from 0.10 to 9.16 p.p.m. and from a trace to 12.89 p.p.m., respectively. Aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane, and toxaphene also were present in some samples. Laboratory studies on the persistence of DDT in Heliothis spp. showed the fast disappearance of DDT, followed by the disappearance of DDE. There was no change in the level of , 'in diapausing bollworm pupae over a period of 5 months. All of the eight bird species examined showed residues of , 'and/or , '-with concentrations ranging from 0 to 132.50 p.p.m. and from a trace to 37.50 p.p.m., respectively. In most cases, the fat tissue contained higher levels of residues than the other tissues. Chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides have been used extensively during the past 20 years in controlling various insect pests. As a result, contamination of the environment by these residual insecticides is almost universal (George, 1963).Cotton fields represent an ecological area where large amounts of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides are used annually. Exactly how much of these chemicals are present in beneficial (predaceous) and pest (phytophagous) insects of cotton, nearby aquatic insects, and birds feeding in cotton fields on insects, nectar, and seeds is unknown. In order to establish the magnitude of contamination and to obtain basic information on the residue problem, a survey of the chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide residues in selected insects and birds found in association with cotton fields in Louisiana was undertaken.

Organochlorine insecticide residues in quail, rabbits, and deer from selected Alabama soybean fields

“…El Sayed et al (1967) found DDT residues in the fat of certain bird species associated with Louisiana cotton fields. Total DDT residues ran as high as 170 ppm in a house sparrow Seven bobwhite quail collected from selected environments in Louisiana contained residues of DDT and its metabolites ranging from 0.01 to 1.090 ppb (Epps et al, 1967).…”

Pesticide residues

“…El Sayed et al (87) determined organochlorinated insecticide residues in select insects and birds found in cotton fields.…”