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DDT RESIDUES IN THE FOOD CHAINS 0F BIRDS

Thesis for tho Degreo of Ph. D.
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Ewes? A. Boykins
I964

THESIS

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3 1293 10486 2929

This is to certifg that the

thesis entitled

DDT RESIDUES IN THE FOOD CHAINS OF BIRDS

presented by

Erne st A. B0 ykins

has been accepted towards fulfillment
of the requirements for

Ph. D degree in Zoology:

flux/gone. Afléém

M‘jor professor

Date May 25. 1964

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ABSTRACT

DDT RESIDUES IN THE FOOD CHAINS OF BIRDS

‘l

by Ernest A. Boykins

The use of a 12 per cent DDT (l, l, l-trichloro-Z, 2—bis
(p—chlorophenyl)-ethane) solution, primarily for the prevention of
Dutch elm disease, has led to the death of large numbers of birds
on the Michigan State University campus. Therefore, this study
was undertaken to try to determine the food chains involved in the
transference of DDT to birds.

Samples of soil, earthworms, fruit, and the bark, buds and

leaves of the elms Ulmus americana were collected during a 2-year

 

 

period. The samples were quantitatively analyzed for DDT using
the Schechter-Haller method of analysis.

Earthworms showed concentrations ranging from an average
of 63.6 pg of DDT/g in the fall of 1963 to an average of 70. 7 in the
spring of 1962. High DDT levels persisted in earthworms up to 18
months after spraying. There was no significant difference at the
5 per cent level in the amount of DDT in the two species of earth-

worms (Lumbricus terrestris and Helodrilus caliginosus) collected

 

in 1964. Sprayed earthworms (Helodrilus foetidus) kept in the
laboratory for 22 weeks showed initial levels of 298 pg of DDT/g,
then declined to 86 pg of DDT/g. For 12 weeks the earthworms
averaged 86 to 90 pg of DDT/g in unsprayed soil. This indicated
that DDT can be stored, up to 22 weeks at least, in the tissues of

the se worms .

Ernest A. Boykins

Residues in 78 soil samples ranged from an average of 31, O
(18 months after spraying) to 298.1 pg of DDT/g, 4 to 16 days after
spraying. During two collecting periods DDT levels in the soil
were lower than the concentrations found in earthworms,

The amount of DDT found on fruit averaged 2.4 pg of DDT/g
prior to spraying and 44.4 pg of DDT/g following a dormant spray.
Six months later the fruit averaged 1.0 pg of DDT/g. Elm bark
averaged 23. 6 pg of DDT/g prior to the dormant spraying, 242.1-
after spraying and 92.0 pg of DDT/g 6 months after the fall spraying.
Fallen elm leaves averaged 12.5 pg of DDT/g prior to spraying and
167.5 pg of DDT/g after spraying. Young elm buds in the spring
following fall spraying averaged 1.5 pg of DDT/g and the new elm
leaves averaged, 3. 1 pg of DDT/g.

Experiments in feeding House Sparrows earthworms (Helodrilus
foetidus) containing 298 pg of DDT/g showed a survival time for the
birds of 1 to 5 days. The brain averaged 31.4 pg of DDT/g while the
liver‘averaged 48.4 pg of DDT/g. Japanese Quail on the same diet
had a survival time of 3 to 10 days. The brain of the quail averaged
43.6 pg of DDT/g and 44.4 pg of DDT/g in the liver. However,
Japanese Quail showed a preference for chick starter grain when
given a choice of grain or earthworms and did not eat lethal quantities
of the earthworms.

House Sparrows fed on earthworms containing 86 to 90 pg of
DDT/g, had a survival time of 2 to 6 days. The brain and liver
averaged 33.6 and 59.0 pg of DDT/g respectively. House Sparrows
given a 12 per cent DDT solution (concentration used on elms) had a
survival time of 5 to 13 days while those maintained on a 12 per cent

DDT solution and tap water had a survival time of 6 to 17 days.

Erne st A, Boykins

DDT levels in the brain and liver increased with survival time in
the above groups.

The analysis of campus Robins during the spring of 1962 and ,.
1963 showed averages of 91.7 and 130.0 pg of DDT/g respectively
in the brain. The liver averaged 144. 2 and 185.7 pg of DDT/g for
1962 and 1963 respectively. A Student "t" Test showed no signifi-
cant difference at the 5 per cent level in DDT between the 1962 and
1963 birds. The absence or low levels of DDT in grackles found
dead or dying, and the presence of wheat and/or barley seeds in
their digestive tract, led to the conclusion that these birds may have
consumed poisoned grain used in a sparrow control experiment.

Analysis of other species of birds showed highly variable
levels of DDT in their tissues. The varied food habits of these other
species show that many avenues exist for possible DDT contami-

nation of birds .

DDT RESIDUES IN THE FOOD CHAINS OF BIRDS

BY

Ernest A. Boykins

A THESIS

Submitted to
Michigan State University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

Department of Zoology

1964

AC KNOW LED GMEN TS

I wish to thank Dr. George J. Wallace, of the Department
of Zoology, for his direction and interest throughout this investi-
gation. Special thanks are also due Dr. Erwin J. Benne,
Professor of Biochemistry, for his technical advice on analytical
procedures and for the use of the facilities in the Department of
Biochemistry. I am indebted to Drs. Gordon Guyer and T. W.
Porter for their contributions to my academic training.

I wish to thank my wife, Beverly, for her assistance and
patience. I am grateful to Mrs. Bernadette Henderson for her
able assistance and to Mr. Clinton Hewitt for preparing the map
used in this manuscript.

This study was supported in part by a National Science
Foundation Grant to Dr. George J. Wallace, for which the author
is very appreciative.

*************

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
INTRODUCTION........................ 1

METHODS 0000000 O O Q 0 Q Q 0 O O O O I O O O O O O 0 O 4

Procedure for Collecting ............ . . . . 4
AnalysisforDDT........ ..... ...._... 5
Procedure............ ....... ..... 5
Preparation of Standard Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Presentation of Data. ..... . ...... . . . . . . 7

RESULTS 0 O O O O O 0 O O O O O 9 Q Q 0 O O O O O O O O 0 0 O 11

DDT in the Tissues of Cultured Earthworms. . . . . . 19
DDT Residue in Plant Material. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

DISCUSSION-coo. ooooo coo-000.000.0990 3O
FEEDING EXPERIMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . 34

MethOd O O O O O Q O O O O O O 0 I Q O O O O O O O O O O 0 34

AnalyticalProcedure.................. 35
Results.,........................ 35
Discussion,....................... 43

ANALYSISOFWILDBIRDS.................. 48

ResultsandDiscussion................. 48

SUMMARY........................... 55

LITERATURE CITED 0 O O O O O O O O O O O O O O Q 0 O O I O 59

iii

TABLE

1.

10.

ll,

12.

13.

L15 T OF TABLES

Code Numbers Designating Sampling Sites on
Michigan State University Campus. . . . . . . . . . .

. DDT Found in Earthworms Collected in The Spring of

1962 O O O O O O I O O I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O Q I O

. DDT Found in Earthworms and Soil Collected in the

F3110f19620090090000.00.00.00.00.

. DDT Found in Earthworms and Soil Collected in the

Springof1963.....................

. DDT Found in Earthworms and Soil Collected in the

Fa110f1963ooooooo00909000000000.

. DDT Found in Earthworms According to Species and

Soil Collected in the Spring of 1964 . . ....... .

DDT Found in Earthworms Adjacent to Michigan
State University Golf Course in the Spring of 1962 . .

DDT Found in Earthworms and Soil Adjacent to the
Michigan State University Golf Course in the Summer
Of 1963 O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O .....

DDT Concentrations in Helodrilus foetidus Sprayed
With a 12 Per Cent DDT Solution. . . . . . . . . . .

 

DDT in Plant Materials Prior to Fall Spraying in
1962 O I O O O O C O 0 O O Q 0 O O O O O O O O O O O O O

DDT in Plant Materials After Fall Spraying in 1962 .

DDT in Plant Materials in the Spring of 1963 . . . .

Average DDT Concentrations (pg of DDT/g) in Plant
Materials .

o I o 9 0 Q 9 Q o o o o o o o o o o o o o 0

iv

Page

12

14

15

17

18

20

20

22

24
26

27

28

LIST OF TABLES - Continued

TABLE

14.

15.

16.

17,

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

DDT Determined in House Sparrows Fed on Earth-
worms Containing 298 pg of DDT/g. . . . . . . . . .

DDT Determined in Japanese Quail Fed on Earth-
worms Containing 298 pg of DDT/g. . . . . . . . . .

DDT Determined in Japanese Quail Fed Earthworms
(298 pg of DDT/g) and Regular Chick Starter Grain .

DDT Determined in House Sparrows Fed on Earth-
worms Containing 86-90 pg of DDT/g . . . . . . . .

DDT Determined in House Sparrows Given 12 Per
cent DDT 50111121011. 0 o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

DDT Determined in House Sparrows Given 12 Per
Cent Solution and Tap Water . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DDT Found in Robins on Michigan State University
campus in 1962 I O O Q Q O O O O O O O O D O I O O O O

DDT Found in Robins on Michigan State University
Campusinl963....................

DDT Determined in Common Grackles Found on
Michigan State University Campus in Spring of 1963

DDT Determined in the Tissues of Miscellaneous
Birds. I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O 0 O O O

Page

36

38

40

41

42

44

49

51

52

53

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

FIGURE Page
1. Location of Collection Sites on the Michigan State
UniversityCampus.................. 10
2. Concentrations of DDT in Earthworms Sprayed
with a 12 Per Cent DDT Solution . . . . ...... 23

vi

INTRODUCTION

‘An experimental spray program using DDT (l, 1, l-trichloro-
2, 2-bis( p-chlorophenyl)ethane) for the control of Dutch elm disease
was introduced on the Michigan State University campus in 1954.
In nearly all cases a rotomist sprayer using a 12 per cent solution
of DDT was employed. During the early years of the program both
foliar and dormant sprays were used, but since 1959 only the
dormant treatment has been employed. Usually the elms were
sprayed in the spring, or in a combination of spring and fall treat-
ments, but in 1962 all of the elm trees were sprayed during the fall
and were not sprayed again in 1963.

The Michigan State University spray program was accompanied
by a conspicuous decrease in campus Robins (Turdus migratorius)
between 1954 and the summer of 1957 (Mehner and Wallace, 1959).
Chemical analysis of Robins and other birds found dead or dying on
the Michigan State University campus showed large quantities of
DDT in their tissues (Bernard, 1963). Bernard (22. git.) also
showed that feeding House Sparrows DDT in chick starter mash can
cause death. However, little has been done to disclose the food
chains involved in the transferring of DDT to wild birds.

Several sources are believed to be responsible for chemical
poisoning in birds. Barker (1958) found that living earthworms from
areas treated for the control of ‘Dutch elm disease and phloem
necrosis contained DDT in amounts that could be fatal to robins.

Soil samples in the spray area contained up to 18 PPM of DDT and/or

DDE. Whole earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris, L_. rubellus,

 

Helodrilus s22. , and Octolasium lacteum) contained from 53 to

204 PPM of DDT.

 

 

Numerous reports have shown that earthworms are resistant
to most chemicals (Fleming and Hadley, 1945; Goffart, 1949;
Fleming and Hawley, 1950, and Edwards and Dennis, 1960). Other
reports have stated that DDT caused death or reduced earthworm
activity (Baker, 1946; Martin and Wiggans, 1959).

DDT residue in soils and its consequent contamination of
terrestrial organisms is another possible link in the food chains of
non-target organisms. Herne and Chisholm (1958) reported that
runoff from the foliage at the time of spraying was an important
factor in the rate of DDT accumulation in soils. Concentrations in
the soil near the trunks of the trees were significantly greater than
those near the peripheries or midway between adjacent trees.

Similar results were obtained by Osborne (unpublished thesis,
1963) at the Kellogg Gull Lake Biological Station in Kalamazoo
County, Michigan. Results of soil analyses following a DDT spray
program showed that DDT levels in soils at the base of elm trees
and from under shrubs were higher than those in soils from open
areas.

In Ohio turf plots treated with an application of DDT in 1945
contained 10. 9 per cent to 17. 9 per cent of the original application
when analyzed in 1955 (Lichtenstein, 1957). Persistence of DDT led
to speculation that it is not really stored in the tissues of earthworms,
but is continually reaccumulated because the earthworms are located
in contaminated soils.

Birds of the bark-foraging type (e. g. , Black-capped Chickadee,

Parus atricapillus and White-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis)

 

 

have been found to have DDT in their tissues (Bernard, 1963).
Presumably these birds feed on insects (including eggs and larvae)
contaminated by DDT residues on the trunks, branches and twigs of

sprayed elms. Probably some of these insects are strongly resistant

to the toxicant and thus make excellent carriers by storing significant
amounts of DDT in their bodies. However, birds feeding on insects
killed by small amounts of DDT are less likely to get a lethal dose
than they are when feeding on the more resistant insects.

Deposits of DDT on leaves exposed to ordinary climatic con-
ditions caused death to 75 per cent of the tsetse flies exposed after
8 weeks (Hadaway and Barlow, 1949). Analysis showed 87 mgms. /sq.
ft. of DDT on the surface and 17 mgm/sq. ft. on the inside of the
leaves after an 8-week period.

Fruit-eating birds such as Cedar Waxvsiings(Bombycilla cedrorum)

 

have shown various levels of DDT in their tissues (Wallace e} 8;}. ,
1961). Concentrations of DDT were high in two spring specimens
(when waxwings are budding in elm trees) while two fall specimens
(when waxwings are feeding on fruit) Were negative. Taschenberg

and Avens (1960) reported only very small amounts of DDT (6. l to

12 PPM) on grapes 6 to 8 weeks after spraying. However, as
Taschenberg and Avens pointed out, studies of this type need to include
factors such as growth and weathering.

Many other studies have shown that pesticides of persistent
types can accumulate in various animal and plant parts to such an
extent that they will cause death to the birds that feed upon them.
Concentration of pesticides by organisms in terrestrial situations
have not been demonstrated so thoroughly.

Therefore, the purpose of this report was to collect and analyze
for DDT the various materials believed to lead directly or indirectly
to fatal poisoning in birds on the Michigan State University campus.
These materials included earthworms, soils, leaves, bark, fruit and
other suspected carriers of DDT. Some feeding experiments were

carried out using DDT in the diet to determine its effects on birds.

METHODS

Procedure for Collectiri

 

Samples of bark, earthworms, fruit and leaves were collected
in the study area and analyzed for DDT. Most samples were collected
between April 1962 and April 1964. The Baker and Sandford Wood
Lots, which had not been sprayed since 1959 and then only aerially
for mosquitoes, served as control areas. All samples were placed
in plastic containers, frozen and stored until analyzed. Lichtenstein
(it 11. (1958) report that DDT is not affected by freezing.

Earthworms were collected following heavy rains or on moist
warm nights. They were identified by means of the key in Ball and

Curry (1956) and Eddy and Hodson (1951) Taxonomic Keys to the

 

Common Animal of the North Central States. Whole earthworms were

analyz ed for DDT .

 

Soil samples were taken from both dry and wet areas at depths
ranging from 0 to 6 inches. No attempt was made to identify soil
types. Ginsburg and Reed (1954) reported no significant variation in
the amount of DDT residue in different soil types.

Bark was taken directly from the surface of American elms

(Ulmus americana) 5 to 10 feet from the ground. In a few cases

 

samples were taken at higher levels. Leaves and elm buds were
collected directly from the elm trees. Fallen leaves were collected

directly under the elm tree or near the periphery. Fruit materials

were collected from the plants and frozen until analyzed.

Analysis for DDT

 

General Considerations. --The Schechter-Heller method of

 

analysis (Schechter e_t a}. , 1945) was used for quantitative determin-
ation of DDT. This reaction is fairly specific for DDT. Exceptions
are nitrated on dehalogenated decomposition products of DDT and
certain close analogues that may produce yellow to red and some-
times blue colors with Sodium Methylate. The principal known
interfering insecticides are TDE (dichloro-Z, 2, bis(chloropheny1)-
ethane), methoxychloro(1, 1, l-trichloro-Z, 2, bis(p-methoxypheny1)-
ethane), DNB and DNP (the nitro 1, 1, bis(p-chlorophenyl)butane and
prOpane analogues of DDT). Other insecticidal compounds, as well
as limited quantities of benzene soluble plant extractives, are
oxidized or degraded in the nitration process and then removed from
ether or petroleum solution by washing with alkali, or they do not
react under conditions of the method.

In order to correct for deviations in technique it was necessary
to carry an uncontaminated sample (control) along with each test
series. These samples consisted of earthworms and soil samples

from control areas (unsprayed), chemically pure sand and corn meal.

Procedure

 

The procedure followed for determining DDT was that of
Schechter gt a}. , as described by the Association of Official Agricul-
tural Chemists (1956): Remove samples from storage, weigh and
then macerate in a mortar containing anhydrous sodium sulfate and
quartz sand. Add a mixture of diethyl ether and petroleum ether
(1:4 ratio by volume of ether-petroleum ether) to the sample.
Thoroughly mix with the ether to extract DDT and then filter the

ether layer through a funnel into an Erlenmeyer flask.

Evaporate the solvent on a steam bath with the aid of a gentle
current of air. When the flask is dry, remove it from the steam
bath and chill it thoroughly in an ice bath. While the flask is im-
mersed in ice water, add 5.0 ml of the chilled nitrating mixture
(mixture of fuming HNO; with equal volume of concentrated H2804)
from a buret or pipet, taking care to wet all portions of the residue.
Then nitrate by placing the flask in a water bath and heat so that
solutions reach 85°C. in 20—30 minutes (lead rings may be used to
weight flask). Next, place the flasks on a steam bath for one hour.
Remove the flasks and cool under the tap or leave overnight. Cool
the flask and pour the cooled acid mixture slowly from each flask
into a 500 ml separator funnel containing 25 ml of ice-cold water;
rinse the flasks with several portions of ice water, then pour the
rinsings into the separator. Rinse again with 25 ml of the ether
solution ( 1:4 ether-petroleum ether) and finally with a second 15 m1
portion of ether, pouring last ether rinse into a second separator.
Extract by shaking the first separator vigorously for one minute;
then drain the aqueous (lower) layer into the second separator and
repeat the extraction. Discard the aqueous layer and drain the _
second separator into the first, rinsing with small portions of ether.
Draw off any residual aqueous layer as completely as possible, add
10 ml of 10 per cent KOH solution (a second or even third wash may
be necessary to remove all yellow color from the ether layer), and
shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Allow time for solutions to separate,
then drain off the KOH layer and wash with two successive 15 m1
portions of saturated NaCl solution. Drain well and filter extract
through a plug of Pyrex glass wool held in a funnel into a 125 ml
Erlenmeyer flask containing a glass bead (the glass wool should be
saturated with ether before filtration) . Rinse the separator and filter

with a few small portions of ether and evaporate off the ether on a

steam bath. Cool the flask, making sure that the interior is thoroughly
dry, and take up the residue with exactly 10 or 25 ml of benzene, the
amount depending on the quantity of DDT expected (for small quantities
use 10 ml). Stopper the flask and swirl for one minute to ensure
complete solution of the residue (procedure may be interrupted over-
night at this stage). Transfer a 5.0 m1 aliquot of the benzene solution
to a small flask and develop characteristic DDT color by adding exactly
10. 0 ml of the sodium methylate solution (10 per cent sodium methylate
in dry C. P. methanol). Mix well, allow solution to stand for 15
minutes, and then determine the transmittancy (absorbance may also
be used) at 600 mp in a cell of appropriate length by means of a
Beckman B spectrophotometer (other photometric instruments may be
used). Calculate DDT content from a standard curve prepared with

the 3 to 1p, pl-o,pl-DDT mixture.

Preparation of Standard Curve'

 

In order to prepare a standard curve, dilute 40. 0 mg of a DDT
mixture of 3 parts p, p1 and 1 part 0, p1 in benzene to 200 ml (1 ml =
0.20 pg). Measure 1.00, 2.00, 3.00, 4.00 and 5. 00 ml of the dilution
into 50 ml Erlenmeyer flasks and evaporate benzene on a steam bath.
Follow the same procedure as described for the unknown samples and
prepare standard curve by plotting transmittancy reading against
corresponding concentrations of DDT at 600 mp. The technique should
be repeated several times in, order to establish a curve that can be

reproducible within small error.

Presentation of Data

 

The following tables summarize the results obtained from the
chemical analysis of whole earthworms, soil samples and various

plant materials. The amount of DDT residue is expressed in micrograms

of DDT/gram of sample (pg of DDT/g). The spraying date given is
the last known spray date for the area. These dates were obtained
from the Michigan State University Department of Grounds Main-
tenance. Table 1 gives code numbers designating the various collect-
ing sites on campus. Figure 1 contains a map showing more exact

collecting sites referred to by the code numbers.

Table 1. Code Numbers Designating the Sampling Sites on the
Michigan State University Campus

 

 

a J —‘:—
Code Number Location

1 Rear of Giltner Hall

2 Front of Kresge Art Center

3 Front of University Chapel

4 Bogue Street in Front of Snyder Hall

5 Begue Street and Dormitory Road

6 Bogue Street in Front of Abbott Hall

7 Bogue Street and Grand River

8 Physics Road in Front of Physic Bldg.

9 South Side of Berkey Hall
10 North Side of Horticulture Bldg.
11 South Side of Health Center
12 Edge of Beal Garden
13 West Side of Union Bldg.
14 East Side of President's Home
15 Rear of Yakeley Hall
16 Front of Music Bldg.
1? Terrace on East Side of Library
18 North Side of Kedzie Chemical Laboratories
19 West Side of Kedzie Chemical Laboratories
20 East Side of Kedzie Chemical Laboratories
21 Front of Natural Science Bldg.
22 Corner of Farm Lane and Auditorium Road
23 Corner of Farm Lane and Shaw Lane
24 South of Shaw Hall
25 South of Eppley Center
26 North of Eppley Center
27 South of Red Cedar River (Rear of Shaw Hall)
28 Sanford Wood Lot

29 Baker Wood Lot

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESULTS

Earthworm samples were collected over a two and a half year
period and analyzed for DDT. Only the earthworms collected during
the spring of 1964 were separated and analyzed by species. The two

species found were Lumbricus terrestris and Helodrilus caliginosus.

 

 

Table 2 lists residues of DDT in 22 samples of earthworms
collected in the spring of 1962. Exact spray dates could not be ob-
tained for this period but apparently most of the elms were sprayed
in the fall of 1961 and only a few were sprayed in the spring of 1962.
Concentrations in the earthworms ranged from 8 (S-17) to 128 pg of
DDT/g (S-7). The average concentrations for the 20 experimental
samples (excluding the 2 control areas) was 70. 7 pg. of DDT/g.

S-17 was taken from the terrace east of the Michigan State University
library about 50 feet from the hearest elm tree. The flowering
plants in this area were sprayed with DDT using a small hand sprayer
in the fall of 1961. There was some uncertainty about the purpose of
this spray. Samples S-25 and S-26 (North of Eppley Center) were
from an area free of elm trees. However, this was a new con-
struction site and apparently contaminated soil was brought in from
other areas. Also, the incline on and near the collecting site may
have received some runoff from the nearby sprayed areas. Areas of
high elm density had high DDT concentrations in the earthworm
samples (S-5, S-6, S-7, S-9, S-13, S-18 and 8-19). In order to have
a representative collection of earthworms, three samples were taken

from each of the two control areas. All of these samples were nega-

tive for DDT .

ll

12

 

 

Table 2. DDT Found in Earthworms Collected in the Spring of 1962
= J 4"...-
Date Date Last pg of DDT/g

Site Collected Sprayed Earthworfn
S-l 4-29-62 Fall, 1961 78

S-Z 4-29-62 Fall, 1961 65

S-3 4-29-62 Fall, 1961 55

S-4 4-29-62 Fall, 1961 54

S-5 4-29-62 4-25-62* 97

8-6 4-29-62 4-25-62* 91

8-? 4-29-62 Fall, 1961 128

8—8 4-29-62 Fall, 1961 77

8-9 4-29-62 Fall, 1961 90
8-11 4-29-62 Fall, 1961 62

3-13 4-29-62 Fall, 1961 88
S-16 4-29-62 Fall, 1961 60
8-17 4-29-62 Fall, 1961 8
S-18 4-29-62 4-25-62* 95

5.19 4-29-62 Fall, 1961 108

S-20 4-29-62 4-25-62* 85

S-21 4-29-62 Fall, 1961 50
S—22 4-29-62 Fall, 1961 88
S-25 4-29-62 Not Sprayed’r 23

S-26 4-29-62 Not SprayedT 12

8-8 4-29-62 Control Site 0

S-29 4—30-62 Control Site 0
Average 70.7

 

*
Questionable spray date.

T

Soil transported from other areas.

13

Table 3 lists 17 samples of earthworms and 24 soil samples
collected and analyzed in the fall. of 1962. The earthworm samples
ranged from 12 (S-17) to 138 pg of DDT/g (S—18). The average for
the 17 samples was 86.7 pg of DDT/g. Again, S-l7, from the elm-
less library terrace, had the lowest DDT levels in earthworms and
S-18, which was an area of high elm density, had the highest level
for this period (fall of 1962). The average residue of 86. 7 pg of
DDT/g during the fall of 1962 was higher than the average recorded
in the spring of 1962 (70.7 ug of DDT/g). However, the period
between spraying and collecting was shorter (4 to 19 days) in the
fall of 1962.

The 24 soil samples (Table 3) ranged from a low of 42 pg of
DDT/g to a high of 1190 pg of DDT/g, with an average of 298.1 pg
of DDT/g. S-9 (1190 pg of DDT/g) was taken 4 days after spraying
and remains of the excess solution used could still be observed on
the soil surface. Residues on this site decreased to 755 pg of
DDT/g (wet weight) 11 days after spraying.

The average ratio of soil sample residue to the earthworm
levels was 3.4 to 1.0. There seems to be no standard ratio between
each soil sample and each earthworm sample. However, it is
interesting to note that earthworms and soil from S-17 had the lowest
levels of DDT. Though the soil residue for S-9 in the fall of 1962
was very high immediately after spraying, the earthworm concen-
trations for this same period did not change appreciably from the
spring of 1962.

Table 4 lists the DDT levels for 15 earthworm samples and 18
soil samples taken in the spring of 1963. The earthworm concen-
tration ranged from 13 to 100 pg of DDT/g with an average of 67. 7 pg
of DDT/g. Earthworms taken at S— 12 in a spray area were negative

for DDT. The average earthworm concentration for this period

14

Table 3. DDT Found in Earthworms and Soil Collected in the Fall

 

 

 

 

 

of 1962
_ M
Date Date Last pg of DDT/g
Site Collected Sprayed Earthworm Soil
S-l 11-18—62 11—2-62 87 242
S-2 11-18-62 11—2-62 89 201
S-3 11—18-62 11—2—62 65 215
S-4 ll~18~62 11r2~62 60 173
S-S 11-18-62 11-2-62 93 118
S-6 11-18-62 11-2-62 88 135
S-7 11-18-62 11-2-62 130 258
S-8 11-28-62 11-2-62 344*
S-9 11-28-62 11-24-62 1190*
S-lO 11-28-62 11-24-62 727*
S-ll 11-28v62 11-24-62 336*
S-7 12—5-62 11—24-62 75 192
S-8 12-5-62 11-24-62 88 280
S-9 12—5-62 11—24-62 96 755
S-10 12-5-62 11-24-62 108 387
S-ll 12—5-62 11—24-62 90 304
S-16 12-5-62 11-24-62 67 112
5.17 12-5-62 Fall, 1961 12 42
S-18 12-5-62 11-24-62 138 330
S-l9 12-5-62 11-16-62 105 222
S-ZO 12-5-62 11-16-62 -- 118
S-21 12-5-62 11-16-62 -- 97
S-22 12-5-62 11-16-62 83 193
'S-23 12-5-62 11-16-62 -- 182
S-29 12-5-62 Control 0 0
Average 86.7 298.1

 

>I<
Dry weight.

15

Table 4. DDT Found in Earthworms and Soil Collected in the Spring

 

 

of 1963
W
Date Date Last pg of DDTVég
Site Collected Sprayed Earthworm Soil
S-l 5-4-63 11-2-62 82 107
S-2 5-4-63 11-2-62 -- 88
S-3 5-4-63 11-2-62 54 95
S44 5-4-63 11-2-62 -- 38
S—5 5-4-63 11-2-62 69 77
S-6 5-4-63 11-2-62 58 67
S-7 5-4-63 11-2-62 62 70
S-9 5-4-63 lle24-62 85 214
S-ll 5-4-63 11—24-62 85 158
S-12 5-4-63 11-24-62 0 12
S—16 5-4-63 11-24-62. 72 165
S-17 5-4-63 Fall, 1961 13 26
S-18 5-4-63 11-16-62 98 118
S-19 5-4-63 11-16-62 100 94
S-20 5-4—63 11—16-62 -- 48
S-21 5-4-63 11-16-62 44 85
S-22 5-4-63 11-16—62 85 102
S-23 5-4-63 11-16-62 42 58
S-29 5-5-63 Control 0 0

Average 67.7 90.1

 

16

represents a 21 per cent decrease over the average recorded during
the last period (fall of 1962). The site of low DDT residue is the
same as in the other sampling periods, namely, S-17. The highest
residue site (S-19) was the second highest in the fall of 1962 (Table
3) and had the highest levels in the spring of 1962 (Table 2).

Eighteen soil samples had DDT residues ranging from 12 to
214 pg of DDT/g with an average of 90. 1 pg of DDT/g. The low site
(S- 12) was an area not directly under the sprayed elms but where
some runoff or drift could occur. The average soil residue for this
period (spring of 1963) represents a 70 per cent decrease over the
fall of 1962 sampling period.

A11 of the samples recorded in Table 5 (collected in the fall
of 1963) were sprayed at least 12 months earlier. Eighteen earth-
worm samples ranged from 10 to 95‘ pg of DDT/g during the fall of
1963. The average DDT level was 63.6 pg of DDT /g. 5.17 was again
the site of the lowest earthworm level and S- 19 the site with the high-
est earthworm concentrations.

Soil residues ranged from 9 (S-17) to 90 pg of DDT/g (S-3 and S-9)
in the fall of 1963. The average residue in the soil was 50. 1 pg of
DDT/g for 19 samples. This represents a 44.5 per cent decrease
over the spring 1963 period. It is interesting to note that the average
soil residue was 21 per cent lower than the average amount of DDT in
the earthworms collected during the same period.

Table 6 shows the DDT levels found in two species of earthworms
collected in the study area during the spring of 1964, namely,

Lumbricg terrestris and Helodrilus caliginosus. Although no actual

 

 

count was made, 1:. terrestris far outnumbered H. caliginosus. The

 

 

DDT level for 1:. terrestris ranged from 8 to 78 pg of DDT/g with an

 

average of 62. 9 pg of DDT/g while H. caliginosus ranged from 11 to
83 pg of DDT/g and averaged 64. 8 pg of DDT/g. The Student "t" test

 

17

Table 5. DDT Found in Earthworms and Soil Collected in the Fall

 

 

 

 

of 1963
m
Date Date Last pg of DDT/g
Site Collected Sprayed Earthworm Soil
S-l 11.19-63 11-2-62 80 51
S-2 11—19-63 11-2-62 77 68
S-3 11-19-63 11-2-62 48 90
S-4 11-19-63 11-2-62 55 45
S-5 11-19-63 11-2-62 70 35
S-6 11-19-63 11—2-62 65 13
S-7 11-19-63 11-2-62 70 28
S-8 11-19-63 11-2-62 32 82
S-9 11-19—63 11-24—62 80 90
S-lO 11-19-63 11-24-62 54 17
S-ll 11-19-63 11-24-62 78 48
S-16 11-19-63 11-24-62 75 78
S-17 11-19-63 Fall, 1961 10 9
S-18 11-19-63 11—16-62 88 65
S-19 11-19-63 11-16-62 95 62
s-zo’ 11-19-63 11-16-62 -- 36
S-Zl 11-19-63 11-16-62 40 48
S-22 11-19-63 11-16-—62 84 70
S-23 11-19-63 11.16-62 45 16
S-29 11-19-63 Control 0 0
Average 63.6 50.1

 

Table 6.

DDT Found in Earthworms According to Species and Soil
Collected in the Spring of 1964

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

m m
fi fi piof DDT/g
Date Date Last Lumbricus Helodrilus
Site Collected Sprayed terrestris caliginosus Soil
S-l 3-20-64 11-2-62 72 78 25
S-l 3-25-64 11-2—62 75 76 28
S-2 3-20-64 11-2-62 70 62 30
S-2 3-25—64 11-2—62 73 8O 33
S-4 3-25-64 11-2—62 60 -- 35
S-S 3-25-64 11-2-62 —- -- 30
S-6 3-25-64 11-2-62 62 55 23
S-7 3—25-64 11-2-62 75 72 --
S-9 3-25-64 11-24-62 74 70 38
S-ll 3-25-64 11-24-62 65 -- 18
S-13 3-25-64 11—24-62 60 62 25
S-l4 3-25-64 11-24-62 52 -- --
S-16 3-25r64 11-24-62 65 71 48
5-17 3-25-64 Fall, 1961 8 11 10
S-18 3-25-64 11-16-62 78 83 40
S-19 3-25-64 11-16-62 75 72 44
S-20 3-25-64 11-16-62 55 -- 32
S-21 3-20-64 11-16—62 38 47 25
S-22 3—20-64 11-16v62 76 69 43
S-29 3-20-64 Control 0 -- 0
Average 62.9 64.8 31.0

 

19

showed no significant difference at the 5 per cent level in the amounts
of DDT found in the two species of earthworms. ‘

The 17 soil samples collected during the spring of 1964 had
residues ranging from 10 to 48 pg of DDT/g with an average of
31. 0 pg of DDT/g (Table 6). Again, the earthworm concentrations
for both species were at least twice the levels found in the soil.

Table 7 shows DDT levels in earthworms collected in the spring
of 1962 adjacent to the Forest Akers Golf Course. Although the golf
course is a part of the Michigan State University campus the collection
sites along the roadway were not. Approximately 6 months after
spraying the DDT levels for 5 samples of earthworms ranged from
54 to 72 pg of DDT/g and averaged 62.6 pg of DDT/g.

Table 8 shows the DDT levels in earthworms and soil samples
taken from the same area listed in Table 7. These samples were
collected in the summer of 1963 approximately 18 months after
spraying. The residue ranged from 50 to 70 pg of DDT/g in the
earthworms and from 7 to 45 pg of DDT/g in the soil. The averages
for the earthworms and soil were 58. 5 and 24.3 pg of DDT/g

respectively.

DDT Residue in the Tissues of Cultured Earthworms

 

It has often been suspected that earthworms containing DDT
may be positive for the toxicant as a result of constant exposure to
DDT contaminated soils. On the other hand the possibility of DDT
storage in the tissues of these terrestrial animals exists.

In order to clarify this situation earthworms (Helodrilus fqetidus)

 

were obtained from Nelon Homer Cutstone 81 Hardware in Lansing,
Michigan. These worms were kept in confinement in containers with
peat moss and fed Quaker's Corn Meal. The earthworms only were

sprayed directly with a 12 per cent solution of DDT. Immediately

20

Table 7. DDT Found in Earthworms Adjacent to MSU Golf Course
in Spring of 1962

 

Date Date Last pg of DDT/g

Sample Collected Sprayed Earthworm
G-l 5-3-62 'Fall, 1961 72

G-2 5-3-62 Fall, 1961 54

G-3 53-62 Fall, 1961 68

G-4 5-3-62 Fall, 1961 62

G-5 5-3-62 Fall, 1961 57
Average 62. 6

 

Table 8. DDT Found in Earthworms and Soil Adjacent to MSU Golf
Course in Summer of 1963

 

 

 

Date Date Last pg of 121;)ng
Sample Collected Sprayed Earthworm Soil
G-6 6427-63 Fall, 1961 51 38
G-7 6-27-63 Fall, 1961 70 ll
G—8 6-27-63 Fall, 1961 55 17
G-9 6-27-63 Fall, 1961 64 45
G-lO 6-27-63 Fall, 1961 50 7
G-ll' 69-27—63 Fall, 1961 61 28
Average 58. 5 24. 3

 

21

following spraying a sample of earthworms was taken and analyzed
for DDT. At various intervals the earthworms were removed from
the now contaminated peat moss and placed in uncontaminated peat
moss. Subsequently, samples were taken at weekly intervals and

the DDT levels determined. The earthworms were kept for 22 weeks.

The results are recorded in Table 9 and Figure 2.

Results. -- The initial sample taken immediately after spraying
showed 290 pg of DDT/g. After one week and one soil change a
sample of earthworms showed a decrease to 201 pg of DDT/g. After
10 weeks and three additional soil changes 94 pg of DDT/ g was
present in the earthworms. For the next 12 weeks the DDT residue
ranged from 86 to 92 pg of DDT/g (Table 9). This narrow range
seems to indicate a leveling off of the residue at 10 to 12 weeks

(Figur e 2)..

DDT Residue in Plant Material

 

Leaves, fruit, elm bark and buds were collected and analyzed
for DDT residue during the fall of 1962 and the spring of 1963.
The samples taken in the fall were collected both before and after
the dormant spraying. DDT levels were determined in the bark,

buds and leaves of Ulmus americana and the fruit of High Bush

 

Cranberry (Viburnum opulus) and Rosebud Crab Apple (Malus 322.).

 

Results. --The 5 fruit samples taken before the fall spraying
are listed in Table 10. In three collection sites (S-l, S-9, and S-22)
the fruit was negative for DDT; the average for the 5 samples was
2.4 pg of DDT/g.

The elm bark residue prior to the fall spraying ranged from

7 to 48 pg of DDT/g with an average of 23. 6 pg of DDT/g. in 5 samples.

22

Table 9. DDT Determined at Weekly Intervals in Helodrilus foetidu:
Sprayed with 12 Per Cent DDT

 

 

Number of , pg of DDT /g
Weeks of Earthworm
o ‘ 290
1* 201

185

3* 147
4 122
5 126
6 120
7 112
8* 107
9 106
10 94
11 . 92
12 90
13 ' 87
14* 88
15 87
16 86
17 88
18* 90
19 88
20* 87
21 88
22 86

 

:3
Soil change 8 .

23

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mount-Iva 3° Slma 10 '91!

24

Table 10. DDT Residue on Plant Material Prior to Fall Spraying 1962

m

 

Date Date Last
Site Plant Material Collected Sprayed pg of DDT/g
1 Crab Apple Fruit 10-29-62 Fall, 1961 4
l Cranberry Fruit 10—29-62 Fall, 1961 0
1 Fallen Elm Leaves 10—29v62 Fall, 1961 33
1 Elm Bark 10—29-62 Fall, 1961 16
3 Fallen Elm Leaves 10—29-62 Fall, 1961 18
3 Elm Bark 10-29-62 Fall, 1961 48
5 Fallen Elm Leaves lO-Z9-62 4-25-62 15
8 Cranberry Fruit 10~29-62 Fall, 1961 8
9 Cranberry Fruit 10-29-62 Fall, 1961 0
9 Fallen Elm Leaves 10—29-62 Fall, 1961 12
9 Elm Bark 10-29-62 Fall, 1961 7
16 Fallen Elm Leaves 10'29-62 Fall, 1961 10
19 Fallen Elm Leaves 10-29-62' Fall, 1961 0
19 Elm Bark 10-29-62 Fall, 1961 19
22 Fallen Elm Leaves 10-29-62 Fall, 1961 0
22 Elm Bark 10-29-62 Fall, 1961 28
22 Cranberry Fruit 10-29-62 Fall, 1961 0

 

v—V—i

25

Fallen elm leaves ranged from no DDT residue on 2 samples (S-19
and S-22) to a high of 33 pg of DDT/g; the average was 12. 5 pg of
DDT/g. All of the samples listed in Table 10 were sprayed approxi-
mately one year earlier except S-5 which was sprayed April 25,
1962.

Table 11 lists DDT residues for plant samples taken 4 to 26
days after the dormant spraying in the fall of 1962. Residues on 7
fruit samples ranged from 3 to 83 pg of DDT/g with an average of
44. 4 pg of DDT/g. Supposedly, these plants were not sprayed
directly; they are merely located in the immediate area of the
sprayed elms. S-8 and S-l9, collected 4 days after spraying, had
80 and 83 pg of DDT/g respectively, whereas S-1 and S-2 collected
26 days after spraying had 37 and 58 pg of DDT/g. However, 4 days
after spraying, S-9 had only 15 pg of DDT/g. Weathering, as well
as location of the fruit with respect to the sprayed elms, are factors
associated with the disappearance and concentration of surface
deposits.

Elm bark residues after the fall spraying ranged from 130 to
392 pg of DDT/g with an average level of 242.1 pg of DDT/g (Table 11).
There is no apparent correlation between levels of DDT and the time
that elapsed between spraying and collecting in the fall of 1962.

Nine samples of fallen elm leaves ranged from 75 to 308 pg of
DDT/g (Table 11). Presumably, these elm leaves had fallen since
the last fall clean up period or were missed by the ground crews at
that time. The average DDT level was 167. 5 pg of DDT/g. variation
in both elm bark and elm leaf residue is probably due to the lack of
uniform spraying as well as weathering and growth.

Table 12 summarizes the levels of DDT in plant materials
collected during the spring of 1963, 6 to 7 months after spraying.

Four samples of elm leaves taken directly from the trees (S-8, S-9

26

 

 

Table 11. DDT Residue on Plant Material After Fall Spraying 1962
W a ‘—
Date Date Last
Site Plant Material Collected Sprayed pg of DDT/g
1 Cranberry Fruit 11—28-62 11-2—62 37
1 Elm Bark 11-28-62 11-2-62 205
1 Fallen Elm Leaves 11-28-62 11-2-62 92
2 Cranberry Fruit 11'28-62 11-2-62 58
2 Fallen Elm Leaves 11-28-62 11-2-62 118
3 Fallen Elm Leaves 11-28-62 11-2-62 75
3 Elm Bark 11-28-62 11-2-62 255
5 Fallen Elm Leaves 11'28-62 11-2-62 193
8 Fallen Eh'n Leaves 11-28-62 11-24-62 308
8 Elm Bark 11—28-62 11—24-62 392
8 Cranberry Fruit 11-28-62 11-24-62 80
9 Fallen Elm Leaves ll-28-62 11-24-62 276
9 Elm Bark 11-28-62 11-24-62 318
9 Cranberry Fruit 11-28-62 11-24-62 15
15 Cranberry Fruit 11-28-62 ? 3
16 Fallen Elm Leaves 11-28-62 11-24-62 185
16 Elm Bark 11-28-62 11-24-62 208
18 Fallen Elm Leaves 11-28-62 11-24-62 175
19 Elm Bark 11-28-62 11-24-62 187
19 Cranberry Fruit 11-28-62 11—24—62 83
22 Fallen Elm Leaves 11-28-62 11-24-62 86
22 Elm Bark 11-28-62 11-24-62 130
22 Cranberry Fruit 11-28-62 11-24-62 35

 

27

 

 

 

Table 12. DDT Residue on Plant Material in the Spring of 1963
Date Date Last
Site Plant Material Collected Sprayed pg of DDT/g
1 Elm Leaves 6-10-63 11-2-62 7
1 Elm Buds 6~10-63 11-2-62 0
1 Elm Bark 6-10-63 11-2-62 84
l Cranberry Fruit 6-10-63 11-2-62 4
3 Elm Leaves 6-10-63 11-2-62 0
3 Elm Buds 6-10-63 11-2-62 0
3 Elm Bark 6-10-63 11-2-62 78
5 Elm Leaves 6-10-63 11-2-62 8
5 Elm Bark 6.10—63 11-2-62 112
5 Elm Buds 6-10-63 11-2-62 4
8 Elm Leaves 6-10-63 11-24-62 0
9 Elm Leaves 6-10-63 11—24—62 0
9 Elm Buds 6-10-63 11-24-62 5
l5 Cranberry Fruit 6-10-63 11-24-62 0
16 Cranberry Fruit 6-10-63 11-24-62 0
18 Elm Leaves 6-10-63 11-24-62 2
18 Elm Bark 6-10-63 11-24-62 65
19 Elm Leaves 6-10-63 11-24-62 0
19 Elm Buds 6-10-63 11-24-62 0
22 Elm Leaves 6-10-63 11-24-62 8
22 Elm Buds 6—10-63 11-24-62 0
22 Elm Bark 6-10-63 11-24-62 121
22 Cranberry Fruit 6-10-63 11-24-62 0

 

28

Table 13. Average DDT Residue (pg of DDT/g) On Plant Material

 

 

. m
Fall 1962 Fall 1962
Prior to After
Plant Material Spraying Spraying Spring 1963
Fruit 2.4 44.4 1.0
Elm Bark 23.6 ' 242.1 92.0
Fallen Elm Leaves 12. 5 167. 5
Elm Buds 1. 5

Elm Leaves . 3. l

 

29

and S-l9) were negative for DDT. Residues in the other samples
ranged from 2 to 8 pg of DDT/g with an average of 3.1 pg of DDT/g.

Of the 6 elm bud samples taken 4 were'negative. S-5 and S-9
had 4 and 5 pg of DDT/g respectively. Similarly leaves and buds
from S—3 and S-l9 were negative for DDT.

Five elm bark samples collected 6 to 7 months after spraying
ranged from 78 to 121 pg of DDT/g with an average of 92.0 pg of
DDT/g. This represents a 61 per cent decrease in bark residue

from the previous sampling period.

DISCUSSION

DDT contamination of the diet is probably received from
several sources. Some 50 species of Michigan birds were analyzed
by Bernard (1963; Bernard and Wallace, in press) of which 38 species
with widely varying food habits had at least some DDT in their tissues.
This would not only suggest several sources of contamination but
possible links between these sources.

The data in this investigation show that earthworms are highly
resistant to DDT. The fact that they can be sprayed directly with a
12 per cent DDT solution and show DDT levels up to 290 pg of DDT/g
in their tissues, with no apparent deleterious effects, supports results
from other investigations. Edwards and Dennis (1960) demonstrated
no apparent effect on earthworms in soils treated with 200 lb/acre of
5 per cent DDT dust. My experiments demonstrate that earthworms
can survive up to 18 months in contaminated soil without any observ-
able effects.

The high residue recorded in the soil following spraying and
appreciable quantities found during subsequent periods offer an
excellent pathway for DDT contamination by means of terrestrial
earthworms. Although there was a rapid decrease of residues in the
soil, from an average of 298.1 pg of DDT/g (4 to 19 days after spray-
ing), to 31.0 pg. of DDT/g a year and a half after spraying a source
of contamination still exists. Foster (1951) has shown that quantities
of DDT deposits were not severely affected by soil types or rain over
a period of 4 years. Lichtenstein it a__._l. (1958) report that high
temperatures can cause some DDT decomposition. Differences re-

corded in various sample sites can probably be attributed to lack of

30

31

uniform spraying, difference in runoffs and drippings and degree of
adsorption by the soil. Also, a direct correlation between high elm
tree density and high soil residue exists. This conceivably could
increase soil and earthworm deposits because of the increased
sprayed foliage in the area. Regardless of the quantitative changes
in DDT soil residue, there is still enough available to earthworms
to show high amounts of DDT in their tissues.

Earthworms do reside at depths where soil deposits exist.
During warm periods earthworms can be found at depths of 3 to 8
inches. Lichtenstein (1958) reports that 17 months after spraying
84 to 96 per cent of the DDT was found in the upper 3-inch level, 4
to 12 per cent in the 3 to 6 inch layer and 0 to 5 per cent in the 6 to
9 inch layer of soil. Even if the animals are not present in the
apparently high DDT residue layers, earthworms habitually crawl
out of the soil after a heavy rain or on moist warm nights thereby
picking up the toxicant. Also, they could feed on contaminated organic
matter near the surface.

The large amount of DDT residue on elm bark immediately
following spraying (242.1 pg of DDT/g; Table 13) indicates excellent
possibilities for runoff of DDT into the soil. The decrease in DDT
residue in the bark the following spring to an average of 92. 0 pg of
DDT/g tends to indicate some weathering effect, including runoff.
Also, disintegrating leaves, which averaged 167.5 pg of DDT/g, are
another possible avenue for soil contamination as well as a food
source for earthworms. Barker (1958) demonstrated DDT accumu-
lation in the soil after spraying. Samples of fresh leaves contained
up to 206 pg of DDT/g.

The presence of high DDT residue on the bark of elm trees
offers an excellent source of contamination for bark foraging birds

(woodpeckers, nuthatches and Chickadees). Birds of these species

32

found dying or dead had DDT in their tissues (Wallace, Nickell and
Bernard, 1962; Bernard, 1963). These birds may get the DDT
directly from the sap of the sprayed trees, or from insects such as
bark beetles.

Translocation of DDT from the soil to the leaves of elm trees
is probably a very minor or non-existent factor. Lichtenstein (1959)
has shown small amounts of DDT and other hydrocarbons in carrots
grown in soil having the insecticide. However, no satisfactory
evidence exists for supporting translocation of DDT from the soil
to the leaves of elms. This investigation showed little or no DDT in
young elm leaves and elm buds in the spring following fall spraying.
The small amounts recorded probably came from overhead runoff or
drippings from the above branches. All of these elm buds or leaves
were collected near the lower levels of foliar growth and in no case
higher than one-third distance up the tree. Also, it is possible that
some DDT could be carried out into the buds and leaves with the new
spring growth.

The fact that DDT is practically insoluble in water probably
keeps translocation at a minimum. It does appear from these data,
however, that the high DDT residue on fallen leaves was due to run-
off or drippings (Table 13) and not through translocation of the
insecticide. One must realize that any compound with even some
water soluble properties and stability may possess some degree
of systemic action. In fact, almost all organic insecticides are
capable of penetrating into plant tissues and systemic action is,
therefore, a matter of degree rather than a specific property.

As was pointed out earlier, differences in the amount of DDT
found on fruit was probably due to lack of uniformity of the spray
application as well as growth and weathering. The low levels and

the early disappearance of the DDT after spraying is probably the

33

reason for low mortality in fruit-eating birds such as Cedar Waxwings.
These and other birds have been observed feeding on High Bush Cran-
berries and other fruit.

Earthworms kept in confinement indicate that they can store
DDT in their tissues without being constantly exposed to contaminated
soil. This fact is supported by previous results which showed lower
levels of DDT in the soil than in earthworms (Tables 5, 6 and 8).
Similarly, Barker (1958) sampled soil and earthworms from areas
sprayed for Dutch elm disease and phloem necrosis and found that

the soil contained up to 18 PPM of DDT and/or DDE while earthworms

 

 

(Lumbricus terrestris, _I_._1. rubellus and Helodrilus _s_p_p.) contained

53 to 204 PPM.

FEEDING EXPERIMENTS

In order to support as well as to clarify the data on earth-
worms earlier in this report, captive House Sparrows (Passer

domesticug) and Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix) were fed earth-

 

worms (Helodrilus foetidus) containing different levels of DDT. The

 

study involved determining if earthworms containing. various levels
could cause death, the survival time if death occurred, and the
quantities of the toxicant in the tissues of the birds. Other birds

were given DDT contaminated water to see if such solutions might be
toxic to them. It has often been assumed that drinking from "puddles"

of excess spray might be lethal to birds.

Method

Adult House Sparrows were captured on the Michigan State
University campus by means of a mist net. The birds were kept
approximately two weeks before subjecting them to tests. A repre-
sentative sample of the captive birds was taken in each case and the
brain and liver analyzed for DDT. In no case did the DDT residue
exceed 5 pg of DDT/g. Also, the brain and liver of control birds
were used as control samples during the analysis for DDT.

The House Sparrows were divided into two groups, an experi-
mental and control. Each group was fed approximately 25 grams of

redworms (Helodrilus foetidus) twice daily. These redworms were

 

purchased from a local bait shop, raised in moist peat moss and fed
Quaker's Corn Meal. The earthworms fed to the experimental groups

were sprayed with a 12 per cent DDT solution. This is the same

34

35

formulation used by the Michigan State University in the control of
Dutch elm disease. The control groups were fed uncontaminated
worms in similar fashion.

Coturnix quail ranging from 5 to 10 days of age were obtained
from the Michigan State University Poultry Department. They were
kept 4 to 5 weeks before being subjected to feeding tests. Two experi-
mental and two control groups were maintained. One experimental
group was fed DDT contaminated redworms while the other group
was fed contaminated redworms and uncontaminated chick starter
crumbles. One control group was fed non-toxic redworms and the
other group fed non—toxic redworms and chick starter crumbles.

Other House Sparrows were divided into three groups. One group
was given 12 per cent DDT solution and regular feed. A second group
was given 12 per cent DDT solution, tap water and regular feed. The
control group had tap water and regular feed.

In all cases the birds were observed for symptoms of DDT
poisoning (tremors) and the survival time recorded. The brain and

liver of the birds were analyzed for DDT.

Analytical Procedure

 

The brain and liver of the birds that died or were sacrificed
(Group 4, Table 17) during the experiment were analyzed for DDT.
Control birds were used as blanks in the analysis. The procedure
used was the method of Schechter e_t a_._1. as described by the Associ-

ation of Official Agriculture Chemists.

Results

Group 1. --Table 14 summarizes the results obtained from 10
birds maintained on a diet of earthworms containing approximately

298 pg of DDT/g. The survival time ranged from 1 to 5 days with

36

Table 14. DDT Determined in House Sparrows Fed a Diet of
Earthworms Containing 298 pg of DDT/g. Group 1

 

fi—v ‘ r T 1r

 

 

 

 

Specimen Data - W _p_g:of DDT/g of Tiswfisue
No. Date * Sex Condition Brain ‘ Liver
H-l 5-8-62 M Dead 19 22
H-2 5v9-62 F Tremors 26 29
H-3 5-10-62 M Tremors 22 48
H-4 5-10-62 M Dead 21 47
H-5 5—10-62 F Tremors 28 58
H-6 5-10-62 M Tremors 42 40
H-7 5-10-62 F Tremors 43 57
H-8 5-11-62 F Dead 38 62
H-9 5-11-62 M Tremors ‘ 35 79
H-lO 5-12-62 M Tremors 40 42

Average 31.4 48.4

 

>“Starting date, May 7, 1962.

37

half (5) of the birds dying on the third day. Seven of the 10 experi-
mental birds were observed in tremors at least 12 hours prior to
death. The level of DDT in the brain ranged from 19 to 43. pg of
DDT/g with an average concentration of 31.4 pg of DDT/g. DDT
levels in the liver ranged from 22 to 79 pg of DDT/g and averaged
48.4 pg of DDT/g. The lowest level of DDT found in the brain
(19 pg of DDT/ g) and liver (22 pg of DDT/ g) was in the bird with
the shortest survival time (H-l). The residue level tends to increase
with survival time. However, H-10 deviates from this pattern.
Some variation may be anticipated since the liver has high storage
abilities.

The fact that half of the birds died in three days rules against

the idea that one bird may have eaten most of the worms at one feeding.

Group 2. --Table 15 shows the results of feeding Coturnix
coturnix on redworms with approximately 298 pg of DDT/g. The sur-
vival time ranged from 3 to 10 days, Three of the birds died within
3 days while the maximum survival time for 5 other birds was 10 days.
Three birds did not exhibit tremors prior to death. The period of
tremors lasted about 48 hours in Q-5 and about 72 hours in Q-7 and
Q-8. However, the tremors were not as severe as those observed
in House Sparrows.

The level of DDT in the brain ranged from 32 to 51 pg of DDT/g
with an average residue of 43. 6 pg of DDT/g. The liver showed a
range of 37 to 57 pg of DDT/g with an average level of 44.8 pg of 1
DDT/g. It is interesting to note that the average concentrations for
the brain and liver, 43.6 and 44.8 respectively, is very similar.
Even so, in both the brain and liver there is an increase in DDT with

an increase in survival time.

38

Table 15. DDT Determined in Japanese Quail Fed a Diet of
Earthworms Containing 298 pg of DDT/g. Group 2

 

 

 

 

Specimen Data pgpf DDTLg of Tissue
No. Date * Sex Condition Brain Liver
Q-l 5-13-62 Dead 38 37
Q-2 5-13-62 Tremors 32 44
Q-3 5-13-62 :1 Tremors 41 47
Q-4 5-14-62 g Dead 44 51
Q-5 5-16-62 E Tremors 48 43
Q-6 5-18-62 ,5 Dead 51 42
Q-7 5-20-62 Tremors 44 38
Q-8 5-20-62 Tremors 51 57

Average 43.6 44. 8

 

”Starting date, May 10, 1962.

39

Group 3. --In order to determine the effects of starvation on
survival time of quail fed DDT contaminated earthworms, a group of

Coturnix coturnix was fed redworms containing 298 pg of DDT /g and

 

regular chick starter feed. Table 16 summarizes these results.

The birds were allowed ad libitum to the chick starter while
earthworms were furnished twice daily. In no case did the group eat
more than 25 per cent of the worms. In most cases only one or two
worms were consumed. This indicates that earthworms are not a
preferred item in the diet of g. coturnix.

None of the birds died or exhibited tremors, so they were
sacrificed after 4 weeks and the brain and liver analyzed for DDT.
Four birds showed no DDT in the brain. The. range for the other 6
birds was 4 to 18 pg of DDT/g with an average of 5.6 pg of DDT/g.
Three of the birds showed no DDT‘in the liver. The other birds
showed levels ranging from 3 to 16 pg of DDT/g. The average for
the liver was 6. 3 pg of DDT/g.

Group 4. --Table 17 summarizes the results of feeding 5 House
Sparrows earthworms kept in the laboratory to determine the amount
of DDT in their tissues (Table 9 and Figure 2). The DDT in the earth-
worms ranged from 86 to 90 pg of DDT/g. The survival time of the
sparrows ranged from 2 to 6 days with 2 birds dying after 3 days.
All of the birds were observed in tremors prior to death.

DDT in the brain ranged from 18 to 43 pg of DDT/g. The average
level was 33.6 pg of DDT/g. There was a definite increase in DDT
levels with increase in survival time. The liver had levels ranging

from 47 to 66 pg of DDT/g with an average of 59.0 pg of DDT/g.

Group 5. --The results of feeding 12 House Sparrows a 12 per
cent DDT solution are summarized in Table 18. Only one bird (H-3)

was not observed in tremors prior to death. The survival time ranged

40

Table 16. DDT Determined in Japanese Quail Fed DDT Earthworms
(298 pg of DDT/g) and Regular Chick Starter Grain *

 

 

 

Group 3
m
pg of DDT/g 7,
Number Brain Liver
Q-l 0 5
Q-2 0 0
Q-3 6 8
Q-4 0 0
Q-5 4 7
Q-6 10 16
Q-7 ll 14
Q-8 7 0
Q-9 18 10
Q- 10 0 3
Average 5.6 6. 3

 

*Sacrificed after 4 weeks of feeding-

41

Table 17. DDT Determined in House Sparrows Fed a Diet of Earth-
worms Containing 86w90 g of DDT/g * Group 4

 

 

 

 

 

Specimen Data g iof DDUg of Tissue

No. Date T Sex Condition Brain Liver
H-l 10-5-62 F Tremors 18 47
H-Z 10-6-62 M Tremors 32 63
H—3 10-6-62 M Tremors 35 58
H-4 10-8-62 M Tremors 40 61
H-5 10-9-62 F Tremors 43 66

Average 33.6 59. 0

 

Earthworms sprayed with 12% DDT solution and fed to House Sparrows
after 22 weeks.

IrStarting date October 3, 1962.

 

42

 

 

 

Table 18. DDT Determined in House Sparrows Given 12% DDT Solution
Group 5
‘ Ml. of 80111-
Specimen Dapa - tion Consumed pgof DDT/g

No. Date* Sex Condition DDT Brain Liver
H-l 2-8-64 F Tremors 9. 55 9 17
H-2 2-8-64 M Tremors 9. 55 14 12
H-3 2-9-64 F Dead 11.46 16 20
H-4 2-9-64 M Tremors 11,46 15 18
H-5 2-14-64 F Tremors 21. 01 26 33
H-6 2-14-64 M Tremors 21. 01 32 48
H-7 2-14-64 M Tremors 21. 01 25 38
H-8 2-14-64 F Tremors 21. 01 30 44
H-9 2-15-64 M Tremors 22. 92 28 52
H-lO 2-15-64 M Tremors 22. 92 33 48
H-ll 2-16-64 F Tremors 24.83 35 56
H-12 2-16-64 M Tremors 24. 83 3s 55

Average 25.1 36. 7

 

\l

”(Starting date, February 3, 1964.

43

from 5 to 13 days. The average daily consumption of the DDT solu-
tion per bird was 1.91 ml. The longer the survival time the greater
the amount of DDT present in the brain and liver. DDT concen-
trations in the brain ranged from 9 to 38 pg of DDT/g while the liver
ranged from 12 to 56 pg of DDT/g. The brain and liver averaged
25. 1 and 36.7 pg of DDT/g respectively.

Group 6. --Ten House Sparrows were given a choice of a 12
per cent DDT solution or tap water; the results are shown in Table 19.
Each bird consumed an average of 1.00 ml of DDT solution per day
and 1.40 ml of tap water. The survival time ranged from 6 to 17
days. Again, as the survival time increased so did the DDT residue
in the brain and liver. The DDT level for the brain ranged from 20
to 51 pg of DDT/g, averaging 31. 3 pg of DDT/g. The level in the
liver ranged from 28 to 68 pg of DDT/g with an average of 49. 5 pg
of DDT/g.

Discussion

 

The results of the feeding tests indicate that earthworms con-
taining DDT as well as DDT solutions can cause bird mortality.

The birds were quickly affected and died both from feeding on DDT
contaminated earthworms and from drinking DDT solutions directly.
Also, the presence of high levels of the toxicant in the brain and liver
indicates clearly that the birds died directly as a result of DDT
poisoning.

Birds such as Robins that feed on large numbers of earthworms
are probably highly susceptible to DDT poisoning. Earlier results
have shown high levels of DDT in earthworms up to a year and a half
after spraying. Earthworms do not comprise a major portion of the

diet of House Sparrows or Japanese Quail but both species were found

44

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to be excellent laboratory animals and easy to keep. Bernard (1963)
was unsuccessful in an attempt to keep adequate numbers of Robins
in captivity.

Although the amount of DDT in some of the earthworms used
(298 pg of DDT/ g) was much higher than the amount of the toxicant
recorded in earthworms collected on campus (highest sample 138 pg
of DDT/g), the data indicate that lower levels are similarly toxic.
Table 17 shows quite clearly that House Sparrow mortality can result
when the birds are fed earthworms containing 86 to 90 pg of DDT/g.
Also, the survival time for these birds was approximately the same
as the House Sparrows fed earthworms with the larger dosage.
Survival time was 1 to 5 days on the higher dosage and 2 to 6 days
with the lower dosage. However, when the lower dosage was used,
the brain and liver averaged 33. 6 and 59. 0 pg of DDT/g respectively
while birds on the higher dosage had concentrations of 31.4 and 48.4
pg of DDT/g in the brain and liver.

The survival time for House Sparrows on a contaminated earth-
worm diet was much shorter than the survival time recorded by
Bernard (1963) for House Sparrows on a chick starter mash diet.
Sixteen House Sparrows fed‘chick starter mash with 300 PPM of
DDT survived from 7 to 29 days. At 200 PPM it took 22 to 49 days .
to kill 12 House Sparrows. Cross e_t 341. (1962) had a mean survival
time of 20.6 days for Japanese Quail fed 300 PPM of DDT in cracked
corn. At 100 PPM the survival time of the quail was 30. 0 days. All
of the quail used in the experiment were between 50 and 80 days of
age.

The short survival time demonstrated in my experiments can
probably be attributed to a more concentrated distribution of the toxi-
cant in earthworms, or in a DDT solution, than with chick starter

mash or cracked corn. Also, the digestion of earthworms is obviously

46

much easier and more thorough than the digestion of chick mash
or cracked corn. This would suggest quicker dispersal within the
body of the feeding animal and consequently earlier effects. The
quantity of fecal material and the accumulation of fat would be at
a minimum.

Bernard (196 3) found minimum DDT levels in the brain of
House Sparrows fed chick starter mash at 65 pg of DDT/g. My re-
sults showed a maximum of 43 pg of DDT/g in sparrows on an earth-
worm diet. The short survival time in my birds probably prevented
high DDT accumulations. Bernard (1963) found higher DDT levels
in birds having longer survival times which compares favorably
with my findings. .

Although there appears to be a direct correlation between
survival time and DDT levels in the brain and liver, the data are
not adequate for determining exact lethal levels. The amount of
DDT accumulated is quite variable not only in experimental birds
but also in birds found dying or dead from DDT poisoning. The
amount of the toxicant consumed at a given period of time as well
as the rate of digestion are probably the most important factors
causing bird mortality.

When Coturnix coturnix were given a choice between earthworm

 

and chick starter grain, they chose the latter. The small amounts

of DDT consumed by the quail produced no apparent effects and only
low levels of DDT was found in their tissues. It is conceivable that
birds receiving low levels of DDT in their diet can break down,
destroy or pass off such small quantities. It has been observed that
birds with more specialized food habits (e.g.‘, Robins or other animal
feeders) are the birds showing high mortality. Birds such as
Common Grackles and Starlings, with varied food habits, show a

lower incidence of DDT poisoning.

47

Drinking as a pathway for DDT poisoning is very possible.
Birds may drink from "insecticide puddles" formed immediately
after spraying. Also, contamination of water is possible by spray-
ing the sites directly, or by runoff or drippings. Here again there
is a definite correlation between survival time, the amount of
liquid drunk and amount of DDT in the brain and liver. It is note-
worthy that when the birds were given both DDT and tap Water there
was only a slight difference in intake. Both the sense of smell and
of taste are apparently of little importance to birds. The appear-
ance of the milky DDT solution may have produced some selection
factors. I

When the birds received both tap water and the DDT solution,
their survival time and DDT in their tissues were greater than
when they received the DDT solution alone (Table 18 and 19).
Again, it is possible that when tap water was available the birds
consumed smaller amounts of the DDT solution, thereby lengthening
their survival by breakdown of the DDT or by passing off the toxi-
cant. Also, some physiological adjustments to lower levels could

OCCUI‘ .

ANALYSIS OF WILD BIRDS

Numerous investigators have shown high Robin mortality
in spray areas (Barker, 1958; Wallace pt 11. , 1961; Wallace pt a_._l.,
1964). The fact that Robins feed almost exclusively on earthworms
in the spring make them prime targets for DDT poisoning. On the
other hand only small numbers of Common Grackles exposed to
DDT were found dead until the spring of 1963. Bernard (1963)
examined 4 grackles of which 3 had high levels of DDT in the brain.
Wallace Git apl. (1964) found variable levels of DDT in 4 Common
Grackles found on the Michigan State University campus in the spring
of 1963. The concentrations in the brain ranged from 11 to 64.7 pg
of DDT/g. Because of a large increase in grackle mortality during
the spring of 1963, the digestive tract of 10 of these birds was
examined for food content and their tissues analyzed for DDT. Also,
birds of other species obtained from various spray areas, including

the Michigan State University campus, were examined for DDT.

Re sults and Discus sion

 

Twenty-two Robins found dead or dying in the spring of 1962
were examined for DDT (Table 20). The concentrations in the brain
ranged from 25 to 151 pg of DDT/g with an average of 91.7 pg of
DDT/g. Levels in the liver ranged from 25 to 256 pg of DDT/g with
an average of 144. 2 pg of DDT/g. Only one of these birds was
observed in tremors.

Fifteen Robins found dead or dying in the spring of 1963 were
analyzed for DDT. Eleven of these birds were observed in tremors

prior to death. The DDT levels ranged from 57 to 240 pg of DDT/g

48

49

 

 

 

 

 

Table 20. DDT Residue in Robins on Michigan State University
Campus in Spring of 1962
Specimen Data
Date Condition pg of DDT/L
No. Obtained Sex When Found Brain Liver
R-l 4-18-62 M Dead 50 155
R-2 4-18-62 M Dead 138 146
R-3 4-18-62 M Dead 28 68
R—4 4-18-62 F Tremors 151 175
R-5 4-19-62 F Dead 117 130
R-6 4-20-62 M Dead 85 140
R—7 4-25-62 F Dead 123 145
R-8 4-26-62 M Dead 25 125
R-9 4-26-62 M Dead 142 147
R-lO 4-27-62 M Dead 121 153
R—ll 4-27-62 F Dead ' 98 154
R-12 5-1-62 M Dead 54 105
R-13 5-1-62 F Dead 105 85
R-l4 5-4-62 F Dead 85 109
R-15 5-4-62 M Dead 72 181
R-16 5-6-62 F Dead 118 232
R-l7 5—12-62 M Dead 102 172
R-18 5-17-62 ? Dead 54 112
R-19 5-20-62 F Dead 131 256
R-ZO 5-29-62 M Dead 75 215
R-Zl 6-7-62 M Dead 53 25
Average 91. 144.2

 

50

in the brain and from 84 to 274 pg of DDT/g in the liver, with
averages of 130.3 and 185. 7 pg of DDT/g for the brain and liver
respectively. Using the Student "t" Test there was no significant
difference at the 5 per cent level between the DDT residue in the
brain and liver of these two groups of Robins. The somewhat lower
averages for the 1962 birds can probably be attributed to the inclu-
sion of 2 Robins (R—3 and R-8) with sublethal levels.

Similar analysis of Robins found in the spring of 1963 in the
same spray area by Wallace _e_’_c 2}}. (1964) showed an average of 84.8
pg of DDT/g in the brain of 4 dead Robins and an average of 101. 0
pg of DDT/g in the brain of 6 tremoring Robins.

Table 22 shows the results of the analysis of 10 Common
Grackles found dead or dying during the spring of 1963. Only one
of the birds (G-lO) was observed in tremors. Examination of the
digestive tract revealed wheat and/ or barley seeds in 7 of the birds.
Generally the amount of DDT in the brain and liver was very low;

4 were negative for DDT in the brain and 3 negative for the liver.
Those with DDT averaged 9.6 pg of DDT/g for the brain and 19.0

pg of DDT/g for the liver. The stomach contents of three birds were
positive for DDT, two with wheat and/or barley seeds and one with
unidentifiable contents. The average residue in the stomach contents
was 5.0 pg of DDT/g.

Apparently poison (Senoco Thallium Corn Mix) was used on
wheat and barley seeds by the Department of Farm Crops to control
House Sparrows. Experimental crops were also protected from
House Sparrows at various intervals by treating the seed with the
same poison. Therefore, these circumstances lead me to believe
that these birds died from poisons other than DDT.

Table 23 shows the levels of DDT determined in the tissues of

some miscellaneous birds turned in by interested persons to

51

 

 

 

 

Table 21 . DDT Residue in Robins on Michigan State University
Campus in Spring of 1963
§pecimen Data
Date 1 Condition g of DDT/g
No. Obtained Sex When Found Brain Liver
R—22 4—9-63 M Tremors 65 192
R-23 4-10-63 M Dead 240 145
R-24 4-10-63 F Tremors 165 170
R-25 4-10-63 M Tremors 84 134
R-26 4-10-63 M Dead 72 197
R-27 4—11-63 F Dead 57 188
R-28 4-16-63 F Tremors 201 245
R-29 4-27-63 M Tremors 135 177
R-30 5-1-63 F Tremors 132 225
R-31 5-1-63 F Tremors 160 136
R-32 5-2-63 M Tremors 124 124
R-33 5-3-63 F Dead --- 84
R- 34 5-3-63 M Tremors 124 227
R-35 5-4-63 F Tremors 143 ' 268
R-36 5-7-63 M Tremors 123 274
Average 130. 3 185.7

 

52

 

 

 

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Dr. G. J. Wallace for possible analysis. The results show a wide
variability in the concentration of DDT in the different species as
well as in different tissues of the same individuals. However, the
highest quantities of DDT was always found in the liver.

Two Screech Owls (one with tremors) and two Sparrow Hawks
(one with tremors) were checked for DDT but the tests failed be-
cause of the presence of a red interfering substance. A Barn Owl
containing a bullet wound gave the same results. Bernard (1963)
observed the same interference when testing most predatory birds

for DDT.

SUMMARY

1. An intensive spray program using DDT for the prevention of
Dutch elm disease on the Michigan State University campus from
1954 to 1964 has resulted in high bird mortality, particularly of
Robins.

2. This investigation was undertaken in 1962 in order to determine
the various organisms believed to be responsible for DDT

poisoning .

3. The study involved the collection and chemical analysis of soil,
earthworms and plant materials to determine the levels of DDT,

its persistence and its availability to birds.

4. The analytical technique used for the determination of DDT was

the Schechter-Haller method of analysis.

5. Soil, plant materials and earthworms were collected over a two

and a half year period.

6. Analysis of earthworms showed average levels of DDT ranging
from 63. 6 to 70.7 pg of DDT/g. High levels of DDT persisted

in earthworms up to one and one-half years after spraying.

7. Residues in soil ranged from an average of 31.0 (18 months

after spraying) to 298.1 pg of DDT/g 4 to 16 days after spraying.

8. There was no significant difference at the 5 per cent level in the
amount of DDT in the two species of earthworms found on campus

in the spring of 1964.

55

10.

11.

12.

l3.

14.

15.

16.

56

. Earthworms along the road bordering the Forest Akers Golf

Course averaged 62. 6 pg of DDT/g 6 months after spraying and
58.6 pg of DDT/g 18 months after spraying. Soil residues in
the same areas averaged 24.3 pg of DDT/g 18 months after

spraying.

Earthworms kept in the laboratory and sprayed directly with 12
per cent DDT had initial deposits of 298 pg of DDT/g, then de-
clined to 86 pg of DDT/g. For 12 weeks the earthworms averaged
86 to 90 pg of DDT/g in unsprayed soil indicating that DDT can be

stored for long periods in the tissues of these animals.

The amount of DDT found in fruit averaged 2. 4 pg of DDT/g prior
to fall spraying, 44.4 pg of DDT/g after a dormant spray was
applied to nearby elms, and l. ing of DDT the following spring.

Elm bark averaged 23.6 pg of DDT/g prior to fall spraying,
242.1 after spraying and 92.0 pg of DDT/g the following spring.

Fallen elm leaves averaged 12.5 pg of DDT/g prior to spraying
and 167.5 pg of DDT/g after spraying. This represents a possible

avenue for soil and earthworm contamination.

Elm buds approximately 6 months after spraying averaged 1. 5

pg of DDT/g; the new leaves averaged 3.1 pg of DDT/ g.

House Sparrows fed earthworms (Helodrilus foetidus) containing

 

298 pg of DDT/g showed a survival time of 1 to 5 days. The brain

averaged 31.4 pg of DDT/g while the liver averaged 48.4 pg of
DDT/g.

Japanese Quail fed earthworms with 298 pg of DDT/g showed a
survival time of 3 to 10 days. The brain averaged 43.6 pg of
DDT/g; the liver averaged 44. 8 pg of DDT/g.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

57

House Sparrows fed earthworms with 86 to 90 pg of DDT/g had
a survival time of 2 to 6 days. The brain averaged 33.6 pg of

DDT/g and the liver 59. 0 pg of DDT/g.

Japanese Quail given a choise of contaminated earthworms (298
pg of DDT/g) and uncontaminated chick starter grain showed no
mortality, but ate very few of the worms. All birds were sacri-
ficed and analyzed for DDT. Birds having DDT averaged 5. 6 pg
of DDT/g in the brain and 6. 3 pg of DDT/ g in the liver. The re-

sults indicate a definite preference for grain by the quail.

House Sparrows given a 12 per cent DDT solution had a survival
time of 5 to 13 days. Concentrations in the brain averaged 25. 1
pg of DDT/g while the liver averaged 36. 7 pg of DDT/g. Each

bird consumed an average of 1.91 ml per day.

House Sparrows given 12 per cent DDT solution and tap water had
a survival time of 6 to 17 days. Residues in the brain averaged
31.3 pg of DDT/g while the liver averaged 49.5 pg of DDT/g.
Each bird consumed an average of 1.00 ml of the DDT solution

and 1.40 of the tap water.

The analysis of wild robins dying in the spring of 1962 and 1963
showed an average DDT accretion in the brain of 91.7 pg of DDT/g
in 1962 and 130.3 pg of DDT/g in 1963. The liver averaged 144.2
and 185.7 pg of DDT/g for 1962 and 1963 respectively. Using a
Student "t" Test there was no significant difference at the 5 per

cent level in DDT levels in the two groups of birds.

Negative or low levels of DDT in dead or dying grackles and the
presence of wheat and/or barley seeds used in a poison program
led to the conclusion that these birds died from causes other than

DDT.

58

23. Obviously, many avenues exist for transfer of DDT to wild birds.
Earthworm-soil relationship, the contamination of elm bark and

feeding by foraging birds on insects in these contaminated areas

could result in bird mortality. Also, birds with more restricted

diets (e. g. , Robin) have higher mortality from DDT poisoning

than birds with more varied feeding habits (e. g. , Common

Grackle) .

LITERATURE CITED

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Baker, W. L. 1946. DDT and Earthworm Populations. Jour. of
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Barker, R. J. 1958. Notes on Some Ecological Effects of DDT
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Eddy, Samuel and A. C. Hodson. 1951. Taxonomic Keys to the
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Edwards, C. A. and E. B. Dennis. 1960. Some Effects of Aldrin
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Fleming, W. E. and C. H. Hadley. 1945. DDT Ineffective for Con-
trol of an Exotic Earthworm. Jour. of Econ. Ent. 38(3):4ll.

 

Fleming, W. E. and I. M. Hawley. 1950. A Large-Scale Test with
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43(5):586-590.

 

Foster, A. C. 1951. Plant Response to Certain Insecticides in the
Soil. U. S. D. A. Circ. No. 862. 41 pp.

59

60

Ginsburg, Joseph and John P. Reed. 1954. Survey on DDT Accumu-
lation in Soils in Relation to Different Crops. Jour. of Econ.
Ent. 47(3):467-474.

 

Goffart, H. 1949. Die Wirkung Neuartiger Insektizider Mittel Auf
Regenivumer Anzeiger fur Schadlingskunde. (Berlin) 22(1):
72-74.

Hadaway, A. B. and F. Barlow. 1949. Loss of Insecticides by
Absorption. Bull. of Ent. Res. 40:323—343.

 

Herne, D. C. and D. Chisholm. 1958. Accumulation of DDT in the
Soil of an Ontario Peach Orchard. Canadian Jour. Soil. Sci.
38(1):23-26.

 

Hickey, J. J. and L. B. Hunt. 1960. Initial Songbird Mortality
Following a Dutch Elm Disease Control Program. Jour. Wildl.
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Lichtenstein, E. P. 1957. A Survey of DDT Accumulation in
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. 1958. Movements of Insecticides in Soil Under Leaching
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. 1959. Absorption of Some Chlorinated Hydrocarbon
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Martin, Loyd and Samuel Wiggans. 1959. The Tolerence of Earth-
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Mehner, J. F. and G. J. Wallace. 1959. Robin Populations and
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Taschenberg, E. F. and A. W. Avens. 1960. DDT Deposits on
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61

Wallace, G. J. 1960. Another Year of Robin Losses on a University
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, Nickell, W. P. and Bernard, R. F. 1961. Bird Mortality
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