Dynamics of an Ester of 2,4-D in Organs of Three Fish Species

Abstract

The uptake of 14C-labeled butoxyethanol ester of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (BEE of 2,4-D) from water by three species of fed and fasted fish was studied. Fish were exposed to either 0.3 or 1.0 mg/L of herbicide for up to 168 hr. Combined residues of the 2,4-D ester and its metabolic products were determined radiometrically in eight tissues and organs. Extracts of these organs were examined by thin layer chromatography and autoradiography. Maximum residue concentrations were observed in most organs of fed fish within 1 to 2 hr of exposure, and within 1 to 8 hr of exposure for fasted fish. After maximum residue concentrations were reached, the herbicide and/or its metabolites were eliminated rapidly.