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Monitoring of methoxychlor residues in the Athabasca River system in northern Alberta after treatment for control of black fly larval populations

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Abstract

Methoxychlor (2,2-bis(p-methoxyphenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane) was used in the Athabasca River in northern Alberta for the control of black fly larvae, Simulium arcticum, during May to July of 1981 to 1987. Samples of river water and sediment were analyzed for methoxychlor residues each year as part of Alberta Environment's program to assess environmental impact and monitor compliance with issued permits. During 1985 fish samples were also collected at various sites downstream and upstream of the point of application of methoxychlor. This paper summarizes the residue data obtained by analysing these fish, sediment and water samples collected from the Athabasca River system during the years 1981 to 1987.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Division, Alberta Environmental Centre, Bag 4000, T9C 1T4, Vegreville, Alberta, Canada

    Yogesh Kumar

  2. Pesticide Management Branch, Alberta Environment, 9820-106 Street, T5K 2J6, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

    Gary Byrtus

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  1. Yogesh Kumar
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  2. Gary Byrtus
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Kumar, Y., Byrtus, G. Monitoring of methoxychlor residues in the Athabasca River system in northern Alberta after treatment for control of black fly larval populations. Environ Monit Assess 28, 15–32 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00547209

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00547209

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