Organochlorine pesticides and mercury in cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) from northeastern Texas, USA.

摘要: Despite their ecological importance and global decline, snakes remain poorly studied in ecotoxicology. In this study, we examined organochlorine (OC) pesticide mercury accumulation cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) living on a contaminated site northeastern Texas (USA). Mercury p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) were detected all examined. Other OCs, including p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), methoxychlor, aldrin, heptachlor, also detected, but less frequently. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE higher fat than liver, while concentrations highest followed by kidney tail clips. One animal contained the concentration yet reported for snake (8,610 ng/g). liver males females, no intersex differences observed. correlated positively with body size male not suggesting slower rate females. Body strongly predicted kidney, clips both sexes. Tail strong predictors possible sex-dependent toxicokinetics. Both long-term field studies controlled laboratory investigations are needed to adequately assess response chronic contaminant exposure.