ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES IN GAME-BIRDS OF EASTERN TENNESSEE

Muscular tissue specimens of adult grouse, quail and woodcock from the rural counties of upper East Tennessee have been analyzed by gas chromatography for the organochlorine pesticides lindane, heptachlor, endrin, aldrin, dieldrin, DDT (total) and methoxychlor. Procedures for the analyses are described. The pesticidal levels in the muscle of all gamebirds exceeded the acceptable levels shown in governmental sources and professional journals. The observed concentrations constitute a serious threat to the wildlife of the region and permit accumulation and magnification even in man, who eats gamebirds as a part of his diet. © 1979 D. Reidel Publishing Company.