Organochlorine residues in animal tissue sampled throughout Africa
Date
1976
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This survey of pesticide residues has included all the major classes of vertebrates and has ranged over an extremely large area of Africa from Egypt in the North to the southern tip of Africa near Cape Town. Areas of intensive agricultural production have been sampled as well as one of the remotest areas in the world - the Namib Desert. These samples were carefully screened for all the major residues, namely DDT, TDE, DDE, Dieldrin, ∝ BHC, β BHC and ꙋ BHC. The results show the anticipated biological magnification of residues within certain food chain and greater concentration of residues within areas of intensive agricultural production than in remote desert areas. Nevertheless, even in the remotest areas, traces of organochlorines in some form or other were found. It can, however, be tentatively concluded that organochlorine residues are generally low in Africa when compared with certain areas of the United State and, at present levels, do not appear to constitute a major hazard to wildlife and the equilibrium of ecosystems. It is possible, however, that isolated localities of high contamination may exist. It is also of interest to note that this survey showed marked differences between certain localities and the values obtained within a food chain in the Voëlvleidam, a major source of water to the city of Cape Town, are sufficiently high to warrant some concern. Continuous monitoring and strict regulation of usage seems therefore to be most advisable.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Afrikaanse opsomming nie beskikbaar nie.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Afrikaanse opsomming nie beskikbaar nie.
Description
Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 1976.