Organochlorine pesticides in bird species and their prey (fish) from the Ethiopian Rift Valley region, Ethiopia

• Accumulation of OCPs was investigated in muscle samples of 4 bird and 5 fish species from the Ethiopian Rift Valley region.
• Contaminant profiles and levels were varied among the species.
• DDTs were the predominant pesticides, attributed to its current use and past usage.
• Levels of p,p′-DDE were significantly high, which could have deleterious effects on birds.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and stable isotopes were measured in muscle from 4 bird and 5 fish species from the Ethiopian Rift Valley region where DDT is used for malaria control and vast agricultural activities are carried out. We investigated the bioaccumulation of OCPs such as DDTs, HCHs, chlordanes, and heptachlors between the species, and examined the potential risk posed by these compounds for bird species. Significant differences in contaminant profiles and levels were observed within the species. Levels of total OCPs ranged from 3.7 to 148.7 μg/g lipid in bird and 0.04 to 10.9 μg/g lipid in fish species. DDTs were the predominant contaminant, and a positive relationship between δ15N and ΣDDT concentrations was found. The main DDT metabolite, p,p′-DDE was the most abundant and significantly greater concentrations in bird species (up to 138.5 μg/g lipid), which could have deleterious effects on survival and/or reproduction of birds.