Concentration pattern of hexachlorocyclohexanes in kidney, muscle, fat and hair tissues of golden jackal, Canis aureus

In this study, the concentration of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and their metabolites including, α-HCH, β–HCH and γ-HCH were determined in kidney, muscle, fat and hair tissues in 21 golden jackal (Canis aureus) from Mazandaran province. Analyses were carried out by Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD).The metabolite α-HCH showed the highest concentration (64%) in all tissues. The values obtained from the ratio of β-HCH/ΣHCH in all samples can indicate that the HCHs and Lindane pesticides have been recently used in the studied area. This study provides useful and basic information for carrying out similar studies on other mammals in Iran.