National status and trends mussel watch program: chlordane-related compounds in Gulf of Mexico oysters, 1986-1990. Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Status and Trends (NS&T) Program has been monitoring the chemical contamination in bivalve tissues from the US coastal waters since 1986. alpha-Chlordane, trans-nonachlor, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide, components of technical chlordane, are among the chlorinated pesticides measured. The geographical distribution of these chlordane compounds in oyster samples from the US Gulf of Mexico is well-established. For example, highest residue levels, predominantly alpha-chlordane and trans-nonachlor, were encountered in samples collected near highly populated areas in contrast with the concentrations measured in predominantly agricultural areas. Data collected during 5 years of bivalve sampling are used to evaluate temporal trends in residue concentrations at most NS&T sites. Minor decreases can be observed in the concentrations of alpha-chlordane and trans-nonachlor. Heptachlor and its epoxide concentrations, in contrast, have been increasing since 1987.

published proceedings

  • Environ Pollut

author list (cited authors)

  • Sericano, J., Wade, T. L., Brooks, J. M., Atlas, E. L., Fay, R. R., & Wilkinson, D. L.

citation count

  • 24

complete list of authors

  • Sericano, J||Wade, TL||Brooks, JM||Atlas, EL||Fay, RR||Wilkinson, DL

publication date

  • January 1993