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Cholinesterase activity in black-crowned night-herons exposed to fenthion-treated water

January 1, 1986

Fenthion, (0,0-Dimethyl0-[3-methyl-4-(methylthio)phenyl] phosphorothioate), a widely used mosquito control agent, has caused wildlife mortality. To simulate a shallow wetland environment, an exposure chamber was used containing water treated with fenthion at 1 and 10 times the field application rate of 112 g active ingredient (AI)/ ha. This system permitted an evaluation of exposure routes and the effects of fenthion in a representative species of wading bird, the black-crowned night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax). The results suggested that herons received only a dermal exposure, and that their brain acetylcholinesterase activity was not significantly inhibited. In contrast, however, plasma butyrylcholinesterase activity was inhibited, suggesting the herons were exposed to the insecticide. The application rates and types of exposures were not life-threatening in this species.

Publication Year 1986
Title Cholinesterase activity in black-crowned night-herons exposed to fenthion-treated water
DOI 10.1007/BF01055252
Authors Gregory J. Smith, James W. Spann, Elwood F. Hill
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
Index ID 5222096
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Patuxent Wildlife Research Center