Abstract
During 1987–89, organochlorine contaminant levels were measured in American kestrel (Falco sparverius) eggs and in other components of the terrestrial ecosystem in Ontario, Canada. The extent to which these samples were contaminated with DDE varied geographically. Wet weight levels of DDE were greater in eggs from American kestrels (10.8 mg/kg), American robins (Turdus migratorius) (17.3 mg/kg), European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) (8.8 mg/kg), and eastern bluebirds (Sailia sailis) (7.6 mg/kg) and in samples of earthworms (Lumbricus sp.) (0.6 mg/kg), soil (0.3 mg/kg) and vegetation (8.7 μg/kg) originating from the northern portion of the Niagara Peninsula than elsewhere in southern Ontario. This area is an intensive fruit growing region which received heavy applications of DDT in the past. DDT and its metabolites persist in the soil of this area and are transferred to the biotic community via trophic interactions. DDE may continue to pose a regional hazard to wildlife as a result of these toxic “hot-spots.” In 1987 and 1988, kestrel reproductive success was lower on the northern Niagara Peninsula than at a site in southwestern Ontario. However, it was not possible to attribute this reduced reproductive success to environmental contaminants.
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Hebert, C.E., Weseloh, D.V., Kot, L. et al. Organochlorine contaminants in a terrestrial foodweb on the Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada 1987–89. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 26, 356–366 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00203563
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00203563