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

Abstract

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.