Chemical Burdens in Fish from Western and Alaskan National Parks
Simonich SM, Schrlau J, Flanagan C, Blett T. 2012. Chemical Burdens in Fish from Western and Alaskan National Parks
Findings from this research emphasize the concern regarding concentrations of airborne contaminants in fish from national parks in high-elevation and high-latitude areas of the western U.S. and Alaska. DDE, HCB, chlorpyrifos, and mirex concentrations in fish were particularly high in Yosemite, Wrangell-St. Elias, Rocky Mountain, and Lassen Volcanic national parks, respectively. Dieldrin concentrations in fish from all parks exceeded the human health guideline for subsistence fish consumption. DDE concentrations in fish from Yosemite and Rocky Mountain national parks also exceeded the human health guideline for subsistence fish consumption. In addition, wildlife health thresholds established for the kingfisher were exceeded at Yosemite and Rocky Mountain national parks. Results include the concentrations of airborne contaminants (pesticides, PCBs, PAHs) in a total of 53 fish from Great Sand Dunes, Lassen Volcanic, Rocky Mountain, Wrangell-St. Elias, and Yosemite national parks. Pesticide levels in fish are compared to human and wildlife health consumption thresholds. Contaminant concentrations in fish are also compared to WACAP fish samples.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Simonich, Staci L.; Schrlau, Jill; Flanagan, Colleen; Blett, Tamara
- Date of Issue
- 2012-03
- Units
- CAKN , GRSA , KLMN , LAVO , ROMN , ROMO , SIEN , WRST , YOSE
- Keywords
- ARD_Park-Air-Info_Collection, Contaminants, Deposition, Fish, human health, Pesticides, Toxics, WACAP, Western Airborne Contaminants Assessment Project, Wildlife Health