gross histopathology, and P4 concentrations in
three sublethal doses of WP. We euthanized the
chicks 6 hours after the last dose and separated
tissues were similar to those of birds dying from
them into two groups--one with the digestive
P4 toxicity in the field.
system from gizzard anteriorly removed (NoGut)
and one with the digestive system intact and a
Walsh, M.E., C.M. Collins, R.N. Bailey, and C.L.
1.1-mg pellet of WP implanted deep into the crop
Grant (1997) Composite sampling of white phos-
(Pel). A third group of same-aged chicks unex-
phorus contaminated sediments. In Proceedings,
posed to WP was used for controls. Fifteen
SETAC 18th Annual Meeting, 1620 November, San
kestrels (Falco sparverius) were randomly
Francisco, California, p. 92.
assigned to each of the treatments and 10 to the
At contaminated sites undergoing remedia-
control diet. By 7 days of the study, eight of the
tion, cleanup decisions are frequently based on
kestrels had died on the Pel and three on the
the contaminant concentrations found in soils.
NoGut diet. Survivors on the Pel diet had signifi-
Concentration estimates are obtained using stan-
cantly lower hematocrit, hemoglobin, and final
dard analytical methods, which assume a homo-
body weights, and greater liver/body weight
geneous sample that is representative of the site.
ratios and weight loss than control birds. The
However, obtaining a representative sample of a
study showed that raptors and possibly other
heterogeneous soil or sediment is a challenge.
predators are at risk both when consuming the
One very difficult contaminant to characterize in
flesh of prey that have succumbed to WP poison-
the environment is white phosphorus from
ing and when ingesting WP pellets that are incor-
exploded munitions. Spatial heterogeneity of
porated in body parts but that the risk is greater
concentration estimates is extreme, varying over
when pellets are present.
many orders of magnitude for closely spaced dis-
crete samples. To provide cost-effective data
upon which decisions may be made, composite
Sparling, D.W., M. Gustafson, E.F. Hill, P. Klein,
and R. Grove (1994) Acute toxicity of white phos-
sampling methods were designed to aid in site
phorus (P4) in game farm mallards. In Proceed-
characterization and remedial process monitor-
ings, SETAC 15th Annual Meeting, 30 October3 No-
ing of a white phosphorus contaminated area.
vember, Denver, Colorado, p. 2.
Closely spaced discrete samples were collected
on a grid pattern and pooled to form composites.
Extensive waterfowl mortality from ingested
The composites were then divided by size frac-
particles of P4 has occurred at Eagle River Flats,
tions. Mean white phosphorus concentrations
Fort Richardson, Alaska, for several years. Very
were estimated for the fine-grained size fraction
little is known about the pathology of P4 in avian
that was obtained by suspension with water. The
species. This paper reports on the acute toxicity
presence of highly toxic solid white phosphorus
and physiological effects of P4 in mallards. Adult
particles, the form that may be ingested by feed-
mallards were orally gavaged with a single dose
of P4 dissolved in corn oil in the 2.0- to 9.1-mg/kg
ing waterfowl, was determined in the coarse-
range. The LD50 for adult males was calculated as
grain size fraction that was obtained by sieving.
6.5 mg P4/kg body weight (95% C.I. = 5.86.9
mg/kg, percent mortality = 6.089 0.953, dose,
Walsh, M.E., C.M. Collins, and C.H. Racine
S.E. on slope = 0.330). Adult females were less
(1994) The effect of sediment moisture and tem-
sensitive than adult males, as only 25% died at
perature on the persistence of white phosphorus
particles. In Proceedings, SETAC 15th Annual Meet-
each of the four highest doses. In another test,
ing, 30 October3 November, Denver, Colorado, p. 3.
juvenile male and female mallards were as sensi-
Eagle River Flats, Fort Richardson, Alaska, is
tive as adult males. Clinical signs of exposure
the first Army training area identified with white
included lethargy, tremors, rhythmic head weav-
phosphorus contamination, and recent surveys at
ing, and convulsions and were consistent with
other army training areas have revealed white
cellular anoxia. Some birds that survived acute
phosphorus contamination. Previous to our find-
exposure died after 23 days from liver and kidney
degeneration. Liver/body weight ratios increased,
ings at Eagle River Flats, white phosphorus was
brain and plasma ChE levels decreased, and
thought to be non-persistent in the environment,
hematocrit and hemoglobin were depressed after
indicating that the current understanding of the
exposure, depending on the sex and age of the
environmental fate of white phosphorus is poor.
bird. Levels of P4 in fat, skin, and liver were not
Much of the basic research on the chemistry of
consistent with exposure levels. Clinical signs,
white phosphorus was conducted prior to 1950
31
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