| This thesis reports the identification and quantification of organochlorine compounds in birds and marine mammals; it is arranged into three chapters. Samples were analyzed by either HRGC/ECD or HRGC/MS.; Chapter one. Levels of organochlorine compounds (including non-ortho PCB congeners), PCDDs, and PCDFs were determined in seven California peregrine falcon eggs (Falco peregrinus) collected between 1983-1988; five prey species, and one immature falcon were analyzed for PCDDs and PCDFs only. All samples contained detectable levels of PCDDs and PCDFs. Total TEQs in the eggs were 120 ng/kg; PCB# 126 accounted for 83% of the TEQs.; Chapter two. Levels of tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol (TCP methanol) were determined in marine mammals and birds from the Arctic, Antarctic, Australia, and the East and West Coasts of North America. TCP methanol was detected in all but three samples. TCP methanol was significantly correlated with other organochlorines. A previously unreported compound, tris(chlorophenyl)methane (TCP methane), was also identified in peregrine falcon eggs. The extensive distribution of TCP methanol suggests substantial input into the environment. Possible source(s) of the TCP methanol and TCP methane include optically active polymers, agrochemicals, and compounds used in the production of synthetic dyes.; Chapter three. Four compounds present in technical chlordane (trans- and cis-nonachlor, MC-2, and MC-5), and three metabolites of chlordane (heptachlor epoxide, oxychlordane, and U-4) were identified by HRGC/MS in peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) eggs. Levels of heptachlor epoxide, oxychlordane, trans- and cis-chlordane, trans- and cis-nonachlor, MC-2, MC-5, {dollar}Sigma{dollar}PCB, and {dollar}Sigma{dollar}DDT were determined in peregrine falcon eggs from the U.S. East Coast, Colorado and California; and in prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) and light-footed clapper rail (Rallus longirostris levipes) eggs from California. The eggs were collected between 1986 and 1989. Oxychlordane, heptachlor epoxide, trans-, and cis-nonachlor, MC-2, and MC-5 were detected in every egg analyzed. Heptachlor, trans-, and cis-chlordane were either not detected, or present at low levels in the eggs. Of the technical chlordane compounds measured, MC-2 bioaccumulated to the greatest degree. |
