The uptake modeling of DDT and its degradation products (o,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDE) from soil

Abstract

Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) has been extensively used to control malaria during World War II as well as the other agricultural pests. DDT persists in the environment and accumulates in many living organisms. Also, the degradation products of DDT, which have also a similar chemical structure, could pose the same risk to the environment and human health. Measuring DDT and its degradation products in the environment could be challenging and costs money and time. Thus, modeling is an alternative method used by researchers to estimate the environmental relevant levels of the contaminants. The present study estimates the uptake levels of DDT and its degradation products i.e. o,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDE by crop-specific models (e.g. root, potato, leafy vegetables, cereal, fruit-tree models) in the root, potato, leaves, fruit, cereal, and water compartments by using the known environmental concentrations of DDT and its degradation products (µg kg−1) in soil sampled from Soke, Aydin. According to the crop-specific model results, predicted accumulation levels of DDT and its degradation products were found mainly in leafy vegetables, roots, cereals, and potato. The highest concentration levels were found in leafy vegetables in soil, followed by root, cereals, and potato respectively; however, leaves, fruits, and water had a low amount of accumulation of DDT and its degradation products. Further models are needed to evaluate risk assessment of the environmental compounds to human health and the environment.