The Incidence of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Other Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Raccoon Adipose Tissue and Selected Aquatic Organisms in the Central Wisconsin River Basin

Abstract

The incidence and levels of polychlorinated biphenyles (PCB' s) and other chlorinated hydrocarbons in 130 raccoons (Procyon lotor) and selected aquatic organisms in the central Wisconsin River Basin was investigated. Residues of Aroclor 1254 and 1260 were found in 67 and 41 percent, respectively, of the raccoon samples; DDE, the only other chlorinated hydrocarbon identified, was detected in a small number of samples at low levels. Raccoons collected adjacent to the river had from 0.00 ppm near Plainville to 21.00 ppm west of Plover while those more than 8 kilometers from the river contained only trace amounts of PCB. The prey of raccoons studied included fish, clams and crayfish. Small amounts of Aroclor 1254 were detected in the clams and crayfish, and concentrations up to 2.08 ppm in fish. Aroclor 1242 was detected in a few fish and clams. A definite relationship existed between the distance from the river and the PCB residues present in raccoons. No relationship was found between sex or weight of raccoons and PCB residues. Impoundments on the Wisconsin River may influence PCB concentrations in the biota.