A quantitative analysis of organochlorine pesticides in Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus)

Abstract

This study is a quantitative analysis targeting levels of selected organochlorine pesticides (OCP) located in muscle, liver, and fat of Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) in Svalbard (61 022 km2, 74-81°N, 15-35°E), Norway. A brief comparison to Svalbard rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea) and pink-footed goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) is included. Samples were collected by local hunters. Extraction and cleanup procedures included cold column extraction, acid treatment, and silica gel, before gas chromatographic separation and mass selective detection analysis. HCB was quantified in most samples with the majority of the results at lower values than reported in comparing studies; ranging 0.1-1.3 ng/g ww for muscle, 1.7-7,0 ng/g ww for fat, and one result of 10.2 ng/g ww for liver in Svalbard reindeer. At even lower values, p,p’-DDE was quantified in three samples only, ranging 0.1-1.8 ng/g ww. Other target pesticides were