Abstract
One hundred and eighty eight surface soil samples were collected from the Tianjin area to study the contamination of DDT and its metabolites. Measurements were taken for p, p ′-DDE, p, p ′-DDD, p, p ′-DDT, o, p ′-DDE, o, p ′-DDD and o, p ′-DDT for all samples. The results indicated that p, p ′-DDT and p, p ′-DDE were the predominant contaminant compounds in the surface soil samples, with mean concentrations of 27.5 and 18.8 ng g −1 respectively. No significant differences in DDT concentrations were found between the soils from wastewater treated irrigated areas and other areas, suggesting that wastewater irrigation is not an important source of DDT in the area. However, the spatial distribution of soil DDTs levels in the area did correlate well with early direct application rates of pesticides. In addition, both pH level and organic carbon content are also known factors affecting the level of DDT and its metabolites. Although it was assumed that the use of these chemicals was banned in the early 1980s, the current concentration levels appear to be too high to be mere residuals after 20 years degradation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
