Two new oral chemical biomarkers for coyotes.

Pentachlorobenzene (PeCB) and 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene (TeCB) were evaluated as oral chemical biomarkers when administered to coyotes (Canis latrans) during the period of 31 January to 10 August 1994. Three coyotes each received 100 mg of PeCB and three received 100 mg of TeCB, each in a mineral oil formulation. Three additional coyotes received only the mineral oil carrier. Muscle and adipose tissues, blood serum, and fecal samples were evaluated by capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection for 120 days following administration. Residues of PeCB were detected in serum, feces, and adipose and muscle tissues for 120 days post-treatment; TeCB residues were detected in feces and serum at 1 and 8 days post-treatment and in adipose tissue at 30 days post-treatment. Residues of TeCB were not detected in muscle tissue at any point in the study.