Mechanisms of Movement of Organochlorine Pesticides from Soils to Cows via Forages

Abstract

When cattle were allowed to graze land previously used as orchards, residues of DDE [1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene] were detectable in milk fat and adipose tissues. Concentrations of DDE exceeded .3 micrograms/g at times. Concentrations of DDE in adipose tissue were similar to those in milk fat at the beginning of lactation; residues in first lactation cows were approximately three times higher than in multiparous cows that were grazing similarly. Based on the equation [DDE, micrograms/g]milk fat = .28 (daily dose, mg).82, consumption of soil was likely not the sole source of residue when soil concentrations of DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane], DDE, and DDD [1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane] ranged from non-detected to 3.6, 2.1, and .655 micrograms/g, respectively. Grass appeared to be the likely source. Four plots were located on three orchard locations and one control location. Grasses in subplots were harvested at 2-, 4-, or 6-wk intervals during the 18-wk study. Grasses were extracted differentially to determine DDT and DDE residues adhering to the plant surface and those associated with plant tissue. Surface residue was not significant. The DDE averaged between .01 and .11 micrograms/g in dry grass tissues. Differences between residues in grasses among plots were associated with soil residue concentrations. Concentrations of DDE were not associated with air or soil temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, or dry biomass harvested. Precipitation increased the volatilization of residues from soil and deposition in 2- and 4-wk grass samples.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Organochlorine pesticides BHC and DDE in human blood in and around Madurai, India

“…The pesticide sprayers had DDT concentrations above the tolerance limits. (20,21). Even though the BHC and DDE levels in few samples of our study were 10-15 folds higher than the control value, the concentrations were very low when compared to that report.…”

DDT Persistence and Volatility as Affected by Management Practices after 23 Years

“…This mechanism has been documented by Willett et al (1993) who reported that volatilization, air transport, and deposition were the main avenues of contaminating forage with DDE and DDT eaten by cows. The health implications of exposure to humans or animals to these air concentrations are unknown.…”

“…Irrigating the soil with a small amount of water dramatically increased the volatilization flux over that from an unirrigated soil, proving that the volatilization flux will vary greatly depending on the soil water content. Air concentrations will probably be greatest immediately after rainfall or irrigation in dry climates as reported by Ware et al (1975) and Willett et al (1993).…”

“…25:815-821 (1996). 815 treated areas resulting in potential exposure to animals and humans through the air route (Taylor and Spencer, 1990;Willett et al, 1993;Hileman, 1994;Samuel and Pillai, 1989).…”

Pesticides and Breast Cancer Risk: A Review of DDT, DDE, and Dieldrin

“…Key words: breast cancer, DDE, DDT, dieldrin, environmental estrogens, epidemiology, insecticides, mammary cancer, organochlorines, pesticides. -Environ Health Perspect 109(suppl 1): 35-47 (2001 metabolite p,p´-DDE and to a lesser extent the DDT isomer p,p´-DDT are still detected in low amounts in food, especially in fish, meat and dairy products, and root vegetables (26,35,(54)(55)(56)(57)(58)(59). DDT and DDE are stored in human adipose tissue, and levels increase as a function of age (21,60,61).…”