Bioaccumulation of organochlorine pesticides from contaminated soil by cattle |
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| Authors: | R Sadler A Seawright G Shaw N Dennison D Connell W Barron |
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| Institution: | 1. Queensland Health Scientific Services , PO Box 594 Archerfield, Queensland, 4103, Australia ross.sadler@health.qld.gov.au;3. National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology , University of Queensland , PO Box 594 Archerfield, Queensland, 4103, Australia;4. Queensland Health Scientific Services , PO Box 594 Archerfield, Queensland, 4103, Australia;5. School of Public Health , Griffith University , Australia;6. University of the Sunshine Coast , Australia |
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| Abstract: | The study aimed to quantitate the uptake by beef cattle of organochlorine pesticides in from soil. Although such uptake is known to occur, uptake rates have not been accurately measured for these animals and cannot be inferred from data obtained with dairy cattle. In this study, cattle received a diet, of a standard feedlot ration supplemented with organochlorine-pesticide (aldrin?+?dieldrin) contaminated soil. The levels of pesticides in the feed would approximate uptake through normal grazing. Samples of the subcutaneous fat were removed periodically and analysed for pesticide content. Uptake of dieldrin (but not other pesticides present in the soil) was rapid and substantial. Uptake from sandy soils was more efficient than that from clay soils. The experiment was terminated after 8 weeks, because of the high levels of dieldrin in the tissues. Depuration of the accumulated pesticides was a slow and complex process, requiring a longer period than accumulation. |
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| Keywords: | Organochlorine pesticides bioaccumulation contaminated soil cattle uptake |
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