David Peakall

David Beaumont Peakall (17 March 1931 – 18 August 2001) was an internationally recognised toxicologist. His research into the effects of DDE and DDT on eggshells contributed to the ban on DDT in the United States. He proved that the chemicals caused thinning of eggshells, leading to a reduction in the population of various bird species. He also pioneered research on the effects of PCBs on birds.

Early years and studies

Peakall was born in Purley, Surrey, England and lived in Coulsdon, Surrey, as a boy. He demonstrated a keen interest in ornithology as well as chemistry, which led him to work as a volunteer at the RSPB reserve at Minsmere. He received a PhD in physical chemistry in 1956 from the University of London, and a D.Sc. from Oxford University in 1979 for his thesis on the ecological effects of pollutants. He became a member of the American Ornithologists' Union in 1961 and an Elective Member in 1972.

Career

In 1960, Walter R. Spofford hired Peakall as a research associate in the Department of Anatomy of the Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, where he used egg albumen protein electrophoresis to determine phylogenetic relationships in the Falconiformes. In 1962, he was appointed assistant professor of Pharmacology. In 1968, he went to Cornell University as a research affiliate at the Laboratory of Ornithology and a senior research associate in the Section of Ecology and Systematics in the Biological Sciences Division. He initially worked on making the Laboratory of Ornithology's Nest Record Card Program accessible to researchers. He also worked to emphasise the importance of spatial and temporal data on bird nesting. and helped to organise a US Department of Energy-funded international workshop on "Nondestructive Biomarkers in Vertebrates." He organised at least two NATO-funded advanced workshops.

Personal life

Peakall's interests included the study of spiders, cooking, literature, travel and art, and a love of cricket. He enjoyed birding and attending cricket matches; he was a lifelong Surrey supporter.

Death

Peakall became ill in early August 2001. He died on 18 August 2001 in London.