Occurrence of DDT Residues in Beluga Whales ( Delphinapterus leucas ) from the Mackenzie Delta, N.W.T.

• Published in: Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada
• Main Authors: Addison, R. F., Brodie, P. F.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1973
• Subjects: General Medicine; Mackenzie Delta; Beluga; Beluga*; Delphinapterus leucas
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f73-274; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/f73-274

Tissues of Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) sampled from a transient herd off the Mackenzie Delta, N.W.T., contained residues of the DDT pesticide group. Muscle and liver contained p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT; total residue concentrations in these tissues were approximately 0.01 and 0.02 ppm fresh weight, respectively. Blubber contained p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDT, and o,p′-DDT; total residue content was approximately 2–4 ppm fresh weight.