Organochlorine Residues in Wings of Ducks in South-Eastern Australia.

Abstract

In March 1977 one wing was collected from each duck of 12 species from 10 sites in south east Australia. Feathers were removed and the wing was ground for estimation of organochlorine residues. In 1978 there were 25 whole male Pacific black ducks (Anas superciliosa) analysed. Total DDT ranged from 0.03 to 316.1/106 wet weight between individual Pacific black duck wings and from 0.02 to 15.10/106 in pooled samples of wings for each species. There were significant positive relations between total DDT residue in wing and those in liver, brain, breast muscle and fat of individual Pacific black ducks. Residues may be important in breeding of ducks and because the ducks are shot and eaten by man.