Summary

Description

This study was conducted to assess chlordane levels in sediments and fish of Flint Hills NWR. Chlordane is very persistent and highly toxic to aquatic organisms and birds. It was widely used in the 1960s and the 1970s as an agricultural insecticide, and also has been used extensively for termite control in buildings. Chlordane, and especially some chlordane metabolites, are persistent and cumulative in terrestrial and aquatic environments Cardwell et al. 1977. Chlordane is the highest priority aquatic contaminant concern of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Arruda et al. 1987 suggested that the main sources of chlordane contamination of aquatic systems in Kansas are urban areas, and the Refuge is located only a few miles downstream from Emporia, Kansas. This background evaluation also was intended to assess levels of metals and aliphatic hydrocarbons in sediments and fish on or near the refuge.