Organochlorine pesticide, PCB, and PBB residues and necropsy data for bald eagles from 29 states--1975-77
Kaiser, T.E.; Reichel, W.L.; Locke, L.N.; Cromartie, E.; Krynitsky, A.J.; Lamont, T.G.; Mulhern, B.M.; Prouty, R.M.; Stafford, C.J.; Swineford, D.M.
Pesticides Monitoring Journal 13(4): 145-149
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-6156 PMID: 6247694 Document Number: 162408
During 1975-1977, 168 bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) found moribund or dead in 29 states were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB); 32 specimens from 13 states of USA were analyzed for polybrominated biphenyls (PBB). PCB were present in 166 bald eagle carcasses and DDE was found in 165. TDE 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane and deildrin were identified in 137 samples, trans-nonachlor in 118, and oxychlordane in 90. Brains of 5 eagles contained possible lethal levels of dieldrin, and 2 eagles possibly died of endrin poisoning. Nine eagle livers, analyzed because of suspected Pb poisoning, contained high levels of Pb. Of the eagles, 20% died from shooting, the most common cause of death; this cause of death has declined.