Levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDE, and mirex in waterfowl collected in New York State, 1981-1982

PCB, DDE and mirex levels in the subcutaneous fat and breast muscle of waterfowl were measured by electron capture gas chromatography on a wet weight, dry weight and lipid weight basis. Results were confirmed by GC-MS. Mean PCB levels in fat and breast muscle were 6.1 and 0.25 ug per g (wet wt.) respectively. Corresponding values for DDE were 0.10 and 0.01 ug per g and, for mirex, 0.28 and 0.002 ug per g. Comparison with 1979-1980 values showed a decline in PCB and DDE in fat but a slight increase in fat mirex levels.