Bioaccumulation Of DDT Research Articles

Limited Effectiveness of Carbonaceous Sorbents in Sequestering Aged Organic Contaminants in Sediments.

Carbonaceous materials are often proposed for use in restoring soils or sediments contaminated with hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs). However, the contamination of most sites is a result of historical events, where HOCs have resided in the solid compartment for many years or decades. The prolonged contact time, or aging, leads to reduced contaminant availability and likely diminished effectiveness of using sorbents. In this study, three different carbonaceous sorbents, i.e., biochars, powdered activated carbon, and granular activated carbon, were amended to a Superfund site marine sediment contaminated with DDT residues from decades ago. The amended sediments were incubated in seawater for up to 1 year, and the freely dissolved concentration (Cfree) and the biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) for a native polychaete (Neanthes arenaceodentata) were measured. Even though the bulk sediment concentrations were very high (6.4-154.9 μg/g OC), both Cfree and BSAFs were very small, ranging from nd to 1.34 ng/L and from nd to 0.024, respectively. The addition of carbonaceous sorbents, even at 2% (w/w), did not consistently lead to reduced DDT bioaccumulation. The limited effectiveness of carbonaceous sorbents was attributed to the low DDT availability due to prolonged aging, highlighting the need for considering contaminant aging when using sorbents for remediation.

Calcium Nanoparticles Impregnated With Benzenedicarboxylic Acid: A New Approach to Alleviate Combined Stress of DDT and Cadmium in Brassica alboglabra by Modulating Bioacummulation, Antioxidative Machinery and Osmoregulators.

At present, the alleviation of stress caused by climate change and environmental contaminants is a crucial issue. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a persistent organic pollutant (POP) and an organochlorine, which causes significant health problems in humans. The stress caused by cadmium (Cd) and the toxicity of DDT have direct effects on the growth and yield of crop plants. Ultimately, the greater uptake and accumulation of DDT by edible plants affects human health by contaminating the food chain. The possible solution to this challenging situation is to limit the passive absorption of POPs into the plants. Calcium (Ca) is an essential life component mandatory for plant growth and survival. This study used impregnated Ca (BdCa) of benzenedicarboxylic acid (Bd) to relieve abiotic stress in plants of Brassica alboglabra. BdCa mitigated the deleterious effects of Cd and reduced DDT bioaccumulation. By increasing the removal efficacy (RE) up to 256.14%, BdCa greatly decreased pollutant uptake (Cd 82.37% and DDT 93.64%) and supported photosynthetic machinery (86.22%) and antioxidant enzyme defenses (264.73%), in applied plants. Exogenously applied Bd also successfully improved the antioxidant system and the physiochemical parameters of plants. However, impregnation with Ca further enhanced plant tolerance to stress. This novel study revealed that the combined application of Ca and Bd could effectively relieve individual and combined Cd stress and DDT toxicity in B. alboglabra.

A comparison of activated carbon remediation success in floodplain soils contaminated with DDT and its metabolites using ex situ and in situ experimentation

Remediation of hydrophobic organic contaminants using activated carbon is an effective means by which to clean up contaminated areas. Predicting remediation success using laboratory experimentation with soil, however, is unclear. Current remediation efforts involving activated carbon addition to floodplain soils downstream of the Velsicol Chemical Corporation Superfund Site (VCCSS) have offered the opportunity to directly compare in situ activated carbon remediation with laboratory experimentation. The objective of the current study was to compare bioaccumulation of DDT, DDD, and DDE (DDX) residues by earthworms (Eisenia fetida) exposed to laboratory-aged (LA) or field-aged (FA) soils from four locations. Samples were evaluated at 0-, 3-, and 9-months post-remediation to determine the ability of laboratory studies to predict in situ remediation. Floodplain soils downstream from the VCCSS were amended with 2% by weight activated carbon in the field and the laboratory, and then aged for 3- or 9-months. At 0-, 3-, and 9-months bioaccumulation assays were conducted with LA and FA soils and tissue concentrations were compared within study sites. In both LA and FA soils, activated carbon caused significant reductions (37.01–92.94%) in bioaccumulated DDX in earthworms. Field-collected worms showed a similar trend in reduction of bioaccumulated DDX, suggesting activated carbon remediation was successful in reducing bioavailable DDX for native organisms within the floodplain soils. The rate of reduction in bioavailable DDX, however, was significantly faster in LA soils (β = −0.189, p < 0.0001) compared to FA soils (β = −0.054, p < 0.0038). Differences in temperature and methods of activated carbon incorporation between LA and FA soils may account for the differences in remediation rate, suggesting laboratory experiments may overpredict the extent or speed in which remediation occurs in the field. Therefore, use of laboratory studies in predicting success of activated carbon remediation may be most effective when conditions mimic field remediation as closely as possible.

Analysis of organochlorine DDT residue along with its metabolites in dry fishes from some selected markets of Dhaka city

A study was investigated to estimate the current status of health hazardous organochlorine insecticide DDT and its metabolites DDE and DDD in different species of dry fish. To achieve the goal of this experiment, ten different sun-dried fish samples were collected from different markets of Dhaka city. The concentration of DDT, DDE and DDD was determined using the capillary column coupled to Gas Chromatograph with Electron Captured Detector (GC-ECD). Most of the dry fishes, seven out of ten samples, were found to be contaminated with DDT along with its metabolites DDE and DDD ranging from 0.029-1.22 mg/kg which is a serious concern because of the nature of long persistency and bioaccumulation of DDT in the environment. The highest concentration of DDT (1.22 mg/kg) was observed in Pampus chinensis dry fish whereas low concentration was detected in Otolithoides pama (0.029 mg/kg). Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2021, 5 (2), 79-84

Bioaccumulation of DDT and other organochlorine pesticides in amphibians from two conservation areas within malaria risk regions of South Africa

The threat to wildlife from chemical exposure exists regardless of the presence of conservation boundaries. An issue exacerbated by the use of environmentally persistent insecticides for vector control and long-range transport of legacy persistent organic pollutants. In this comparative study between two important conservation regions in South Africa, Kruger National Park (KNP) and Ndumo Game Reserve (NGR), we assessed organochlorine pesticide (OCP) accumulation in several anuran species collected from within the conservation regions. The two conservation regions differ in size and subsequent proximity of collection sites to OCP input sources. Detectable concentrations of OCPs were present in ∼ half the frogs analysed from KNP and ∼all frogs from NGR and total OCP loads were similar between regions, where measured in the same species. The OCP profiles in KNP frogs were representative of legacy pesticides likely introduced via long-range transport, whereas NGR profiles showed influence of current use of DDT consistent with close proximity to sources. This indicates amphibians can accumulate OCPs within conservation regions and that the exposure of non-target organisms inside conservation regions to current use pesticides has a strong association with proximity to sources. These results serve to inform conservation management decision making with regard to the non-target organism effects of chemical interventions such as vector control pesticide use in and around conservation regions.

The transboundary transport of air pollutants and their environmental impacts on Tibetan Plateau

The Tibetan Plateau is the largest high altitude landform on Earth, with an area of over 2.5×106 km2 and an average elevation of ~4000 m above sea level. With a unique multisphere environmental system, the Tibetan Plateau provides an important ecological sheltering function for China and other parts of Asia. The Tibetan Plateau is one of the world’s most pristine regions, benefiting from a sparse population with negligible local influence on its environment. However, it is surrounded by some of the most polluted areas in the world, such as South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. With the atmospheric circulation, such pollutants may impact the Tibetan Plateau through long-range transport. Clearly, the scientific research on the transboundary transport of pollutants is not only important for the understanding of multisphere interactions on the earth surface, but also could meet the national strategic needs for ecological and environmental protection. Long-term monitoring combined with short-term intensive observation campaigns, were used to comprehensively summarize the latest research progress regarding the spatial-temporal distribution and transport mechanism of air pollutants, as well as their climate and ecological impacts, which were achieved during the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition. With respect of historical trends reconstructed from environmental archives, e.g., glacial ice cores and lake sediments, the black carbon and heavy metals like mercury show a dramatic increase since 1950s, which reflect the enhanced emission of air pollutants in Asia. On-line observation data and WRF-Chem modeling indicate that upper air circulation and local mountain-valley breeze system are the main drivers of trans Himalaya air pollution from South Asia. A regional climate-chemistry model coupled with an aerosol-snow/ice feedback module was used to reveal the natural and anthropogenic light-absorbing aerosols’ radiative effects over the Tibetan Plateau. Results indicated that the mineral dust both in the atmosphere and snow induced 0.1−0.5°C warming over the western Tibetan Plateau and Kunlun Mountains in spring. Meanwhile, dust aerosols caused snow water equivalent to decrease by 5−25 mm over the western TP, Himalayas and Pamir Mountains in winter and spring. The radiative effects of BC-in-snow induced surface temperature increased by 0.1− 1.5°C and snow water equivalent decreased by 5−25 mm over the western Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas. According to the observations the black carbon and dust found in the snow and ice on the surfaces of glaciers were responsible for on average 20% of the albedo reduction within the TP region. Those atmospherically transported pollutants also have obvious negative impacts on the ecosystem in Tibetan Plateau. For example, bioaccumulation of DDTs have been found in Tibetan terrestrial and aquatic food chains, and newly emerging compounds such as polyfluoroalkyl substances and hexabromocyclododecanes have been widely detected in wild fish species. Therefore, the corresponding ecological risks are of great concern. In the future, it is necessary to quantify the extent of atmospherically transported pollution and model the pollutant fate under the future environmental scenarios as well as establish environmental and health risk.

Bioaccumulation of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) in carp in a water/sediment microcosm: important role of sediment particulate matter and bioturbation.

Sediments are reservoirs and sources of DDTs to the aquatic ecosystem. However, the role of sediment particulate matter and benthic organisms in transferring DDTs remains unclear. In this study, microcosms were built up with different groups to simulate a freshwater system with DDT-contaminated sediment and organisms. The impacts of different exposure routes (water and sediment) on the changes of DDT and its metabolites (DDD and DDE) in carp (Cyprinus carpio) were investigated. The bioturbation of Tubifex tubifex (Oligochaeta, Tubificidae) was investigated to understand the fate and transfer of DDTs in aquatic environment. For the sediment treatment, the concentrations of o,p'-DDT in carp were significantly higher than those of p,p'-DDT, and the metallothionein (MT) content decreased. The bioaccumulation of DDTs in carp via sediment particulate matter was significantly higher/faster than that via overlying water. T. tubifex and sediment particulate matter accelerate DDT bioaccumulation in carp. Selective enrichment of the (+)-o,p'-DDT and (+)-o,p'-DDD was found in carp. These results help to reduce uncertainty in ecological and health risk assessments and to better understand the risk of DDTs in the environment.

Removal of persistent DDT residues from soils by earthworms: A mechanistic study.

Earthworms have been reported to enhance DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane) removal from soils, but the mechanism underlying is still poorly understood. This study therefore worked on the links between DDT transformation in drilosphere and non-drilosphere matrices and the properties of these matrices in sterile and non-sterile soil columns with and without earthworms to reveal related mechanisms. The results show that earthworms shortened the half-time of DDT in soils from over 14 weeks to about 8 weeks; DDT residues were lower (p < 0.05) and its transformation products were higher (p < 0.05) in drilosphere matrixes than those in their non-drilosphere counterparts; DDD and DDMU was higher (p < 0.05) in the gut, and DDE was higher (p < 0.05) in the burrow; and the bioaccumulation of DDT in earthworm tissues only contributed less than 0.03% to the DDT removal enhanced by earthworms. The results further demonstrate that drilosphere is the hotspot of soil DDT transformation with oxidative degradation dominant in the burrow and reductive dechlorination in the gut, and earthworms enhanced DDT removal mainly by digesting and promoting the microbial degradation of DDT by indigenous microorganisms via improving soil properties. Knowledge of the mechanisms of DDT transformation by earthworms will support the use of earthworms in remediating DDT-contaminated soils.

POPs in the South Latin America: Bioaccumulation of DDT, PCB, HCB, HCH and Mirex in blubber of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) from Argentina

Organic compounds, in particular organochlorines, are highly persistent compounds which accumulate in biotic and abiotic substrates. Marine mammals bioaccumulate and biomagnify persistent organic pollutants (POPs) through diet. ∑PCB (26 PCB congeners), ∑DDT (pp-DDT, pp-DDD, pp-DDE), ∑HCH (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH), HCB and mirex were analyzed from samples of subcutaneous adipose tissue of common dolphins, Delphinus delphis, and Fraser's dolphins, Lagenodelphis hosei, obtained in 1999 and 2012. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of POPs to get baseline information on the current state of pollution by these compounds in these two species in South Atlantic. At the same time, to assess concentrations of POPs in relation to age, the total length and sexual maturity in common dolphins. Organochlorine pesticides dominated Fraser's dolphins, DDT being the most abundant, while PCBs were mostly present in common dolphins. In both species, the distributions of isomers or metabolites followed the order: β-HCH>δ-HCH>γ-HCH>α-HCH and pp-DDE>pp-DDD>pp-DDT. As for ∑PCB, the largest contribution was given by congeners of high molecular weight, particularly by hexa and hepta - CBs. Common dolphins did not show effects on sexual maturity, age and standard length in the concentration of organochlorines. The mean concentrations found in this study are lower compared to those reported in other studies performed in dolphins elsewhere. This study provides new information regarding levels of organochlorines in common dolphins for the Southwestern Atlantic.

Bioaccumulation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) from the Sea of Okhotsk

Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers (α-, β-, and γ-), DDT and its metabolites (DDD and DDE) were detected in five individuals of Northern fulmar Fulmarus glacialis Linnaeus, 1761 from the Sea of Okhotsk. The average amount of HCHs in the organs of fulmars ranged from 608±177ng/g lipids in the total homogenate of the organs to 2093±264ng/g lipids in the feathers with skin. The average range of the amounts of DDTs was from 3606±333ng/g lipids in the feathers with skin to 4076±1624ng/g lipids in the feathers. The bioaccumulation of DDTs by seabirds of the Sea of Okhotsk is approximately equal to that of birds from other regions of the world's oceans, while the HCHs concentration is significantly higher.

Assessing bioavailability of DDT and metabolites in marine sediments using solid‐phase microextraction with performance reference compounds

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) has often been used to estimate the freely dissolved concentration (Cfree ) of organic contaminants in sediments. A significant limitation in the application of SPME for Cfree measurement is the requirement for attaining equilibrium partition, which is often difficult for strongly hydrophobic compounds such as DDT. A method was developed using SPME with stable isotope-labeled analogues as performance reference compounds (PRCs) to measure Cfree of DDT and metabolites (DDTs) in marine sediments. Six (13) C-labeled or deuterated PRCs were impregnated into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber before use. Desorption of PRCs from PDMS fibers and absorption of DDTs from sediment were isotropic in a range of sediments evaluated ex situ under well-mixed conditions. When applied to a historically contaminated marine sediment from a Superfund site, the PRC-SPME method yielded Cfree values identical to those found by using a conventional equilibrium SPME approach (Eq-SPME), whereas the time for mixing was reduced from 9 d to only 9 h. The PRC-SPME method was further evaluated against bioaccumulation of DDTs by Neanthes arenaceodentata in the contaminated sediment with or without amendment of activated carbon or sand. Strong correlations were consistently found between the derived equilibrium concentrations on the fiber and lipid-normalized tissue residues for DDTs in the worms. Results from the present study clearly demonstrated the feasibility of coupling PRCs with SPME sampling to greatly shorten sampling time, thus affording much improved flexibility in the use of SPME for bioavailability evaluation.

Application of Semipermeable Membrane Devices (SPMDs) and Benthic Mussels to Evaluate the Bioavailability of Sediment-associated DDTs

Bioavailability of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) in surface sediments was evaluated with semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) and two different sediment-dwelling benthic mussels, Bellamya aeruginosa (B. aeruginosa) and Corbicula fluminea (C. fluminea). After 28d laboratory exposure, the positive correlations of DDT concentrations between both SPMDs and benthic mussels with sediments documented that the bioavailability of DDTs was mainly affected by surrounding sediments, while the observed differences of DDT concentrations and congener proportions between B. aeruginosa and C. fluminea were due to the specific physiological characteristics of organisms and different physico-chemical properties of contaminants. Comparisons between SPMDs and benthic mussels showed higher values of biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAF, 0.63-3.61 for B. aeruginosa and 2.19-17.08 for C. fluminea) than device accumulation factors (DAF, 1.00-1.74). This indicated that living organisms bioaccumulated much more DDTs from sediments than SPMDs due to the different exposure and uptake routes. Strong positive associations between DDTs in SPMDs and benthic mussels indicated SPMDs could mimic the bioaccumulation of DDTs, especially in C. fluminea. However, given the distinct differences observed for both concentrations and congener proportions of DDTs in SPMDs and B. aeruginosa, future study should be directed to develop reliable models with various sediment-dwelling organisms before SPMDs are routinely used in field study.

The lack of endocrine disrupting effects in catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from a DDT sprayed area

The exposure and response of the catfish, Clarias gariepinus, was studied in male specimens collected in the vicinity of a DDT spraying programme to control malaria. Two sites were situated in the DDT sprayed areas and one site upstream from exposed areas, used as a reference site. The collected specimens were analysed for DDT bioaccumulation and the extent of associated effects. The concentration of all DDT metabolites including p,p′-and o,p′-forms of DDT, DDE and DDD, were measured in the adipose tissue, whilst the effects were measured using a range of biomarkers. This included assessing the effectiveness of plasma calcium, magnesium, zinc and alkali-labile phosphates (ALPs) as indirect measures of vitellogenin (VTG). Gonad condition was determined by calculating the gonadosomatic index (GSI) for each individual and comparing it with the gonad mass that were adjusted with Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The presence of intersex in gonads was identified and the overall body condition determined using the condition factor (CF). Overall, none of the biomarkers showed significant change in the presence of high levels of DDT nor lindane, dieldrin and endosulfan II. Subtle responses in the plasma concentrations of calcium, ALP and gonad condition were evident in the catfish where DDT concentrations were highest, whilst no effects related to intersex and body condition were evident. Overall this study highlighted the tolerance of C. gariepinus to DDT contamination, the practical implications of using biomarkers in developing countries, and the need for further research into developing biomarkers for much needed biomonitoring programmes in areas where malarial control programmes continue to use DDT.

English

This review attempts to give an account on the recent advances on the killifish Aphanius dispar dispar as a biological control agent for mosquito larvae. Thirty six (36) articles of literature (scientific papers, technical and workshop reports) on this subject covering the period between 1980 and 2009 were reviewed. The larviciding process by using chemicals to control mosquitoes in the past resulted in a very harmful effects on the environment (bioaccumulation of DDT), resistance of mosquito vectors, destruction of non-target organisms and human health hazards. Biological control of mosquito larvae by using fish has shown many advantages over chemicals, but exogenous fishes such as Gambusia affinis may have negative effects on fishes and destroy the local habitat. Eco-friendly indigenous larvivorous fish with less harm to the environment and the local fish fauna is suitable for biological control of mosquito larvae. Furthermore, A. dispar is capable of natural and artificial reproduction to maintain a fish stock in order to eliminate mosquito larvae and protect people from many mosquito borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, rift valley fever (RVF), encephalitis and many others (Suliman, 2010). Hence, the indigenous killifish, A. dispar is found to play this role effectively and efficiently. Problems associated with its artificial breeding and fungal infection of its eggs can be further investigated. In addition to this, integrated methods of biological control should be carried out in order to reach the best targets of mosquito control. Key words: Biological control, mosquito larvae, indigenous fish, Aphanius dispar.

Changes in Retinol-Binding Protein Concentrations and Thyroid Homeostasis with Nonoccupational Exposure to DDT

BackgroundThe insecticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) has been used for malaria vector control in the northern and eastern parts of the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa, since 1945. Bioaccumulation of DDT raises concern because it reportedly affects thyroid function.ObjectiveOur objective was to investigate the association between DDT uptake (as reflected in plasma concentrations) and thyroid homeostasis while considering related factors.MethodsWe compared dietary intake, serum retinol-binding protein (RBP), transthyretin (TTR) and albumin concentrations, and liver and thyroid function between cases with evidence of a body burden of DDT in the circulation (concentration of any DDT isomer ≥ 0.02 μg/g lipid; n = 278) and controls (concentration of all DDT isomers < 0.02 μg/g lipid; n = 40) in a cross-sectional study. Further analyses were performed to assess the relevance of changes in RBP status associated with DDT uptake.ResultsRBP concentrations below the reference range were more prevalent in cases (54% vs. 10% in controls; χ2 = 27.4; p < 0.001), which could not be explained by nutrient intake. We observed significantly lower thyroid hormone concentrations among cases (p ≤ 0.01). We also observed a significant linear trend for serum concentrations of free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine (p < 0.001) and a significant quadratic trend for serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (p = 0.025) and TTR (p < 0.001) across the control group and case groups with normal and relatively low RBP concentrations. Relatively low RBP concentrations were associated with significantly higher DDT and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE) isomer concentrations and with a higher DDE/DDT ratio (p ≤ 0.01), which signifies long-term exposure. Inadequate intake of vitamin A and zinc were observed in 84% and 58%, respectively, of the total study population.ConclusionRBP concentrations appear to decrease in the presence of long-term DDT uptake, which may have deleterious effects on thyroid function and vitamin A nutritional status. This is of major concern in a population with poor vitamin A and zinc intake.

BIOACCUMULATION OF DDT PESTICIDE IN CULTURED ASIAN SEABASS FOLLOWING DIETARY EXPOSURE

Bioaccumulation and metabolism ofp,p′-DDT was studied in the marine carnivorous fishLates calcarifer, Asian seabass, in a controlled aquaculture experiment. Over a 42-d period, seabass were fed pellets dosed withp,p′-DDT at environmentally realistic levels. Virtually allp,p′-DDT in pellets bioaccumulated in the fish with an uptake efficiency of 98%. The levels ofp,p′-DDT and the metabolitesp,p′-DDD andp,p′-DDE were analyzed in muscle, liver, visceral fat, brain, and remaining tissues. Partitioning of p,p′-DDT and its metabolites among the control, low-dose, and high-dose exposed seabass were 14.8% in muscle, 3.5% in liver, 37.1% in visceral fat, 0.11% in brain, and 45.5% in remaining tissues, where partitioning between tissues was a function of tissue lipid content.p,p′-DDT bioaccumulation increased linearly with exposure in visceral fat and muscle tissue. The metabolism ofp,p′-DDT, which occurs mainly in the liver, resulted in the degradation of 2.5% ofp,p′-DDT intop,p′-DDD,. These new findings show that bioaccumulation processes at environmentally realistic ingestion exposure levels (ng/g) differ from previous DDT ingestion studies conducted at unrealistically high DDT levels (μg/g), highlighting the need to revise models on the transfer of persistent organic pollutants in the marine environment and aquaculture systems.

Bioaccumulation Kinetics and Bioconcentration Factor of Chlorinated Pesticides in Tissues of Puntius ticto (Ham.)

Bioaccumulation kinetics and bioconcentration factor (BCF) of chlorinated pesticides like Aldrin, Dieldrin, Benzene hexachloride (BHC), and Dichloro-diphenyl-dichloro-ethane (DDT) in fish tissues of Puntius ticto was studied in detail in a continuous fed system. The bioconcentration process is summarized by using a first order uptake model and the steady-state BCF is calculated based on the 30 days exposure. Rate of bioaccumulation of DDT was maximum of 4.6432 µg g−1 wet weight per day in liver tissue whereas it was minimum of 0.0002 µg g−1 wet weight per day in case of Dieldrin in the muscle tissue among the pesticides. It was observed that DDT showed maximum BCF of 89,010 in case of liver tissue of the fish exposed to 30 days. The regression coefficient (r 2) between pesticide concentration and exposure time varied between 0.6212 and 0.9817 indicating high correlation. Based on actual calculated BCF values, the octanol–water partition coefficient (K ow) values were predicted. In order to prove the hydrophobic property of chlorinated compounds and its affinity towards lipid, the K ow is predicted. Results showed that pesticide burden differ from tissue to tissue and can be correlated to the lipid content, size, exposure time, and species.

DDT Environmental Persistence from Its Use in a Vector Control Program: A Case Study

DDT contamination was investigated in soil, sediment, and chicken eggs from an endemic leishmaniasis area located in Rio de Janeiro City, Brazil. The last DDT application in this area was in 1990, for sand-fly vector control. Sampling campaigns were conducted in 1997 and 1999. DDT was extracted by use of a modified soxhlet apparatus and analysis was performed by gas chromatography with electron capture detector. The results show that, in 1997, soil samples contained up to 351 μg.kg−1 d.w. of ∑DDT near the insecticide-sprayed sites. In 1999, the soil concentration decreased to 112 μg.kg−1 d.w. of ∑DDT. Sediments from small creeks also showed low concentrations (up to 32.9 μg.kg−1 d.w. of ∑DDT). Chicken eggs had, on average, 1.98 mg.kg−1 ∑DDT (twice FAO's maximum residue limit), comprising 82% of p,p′-DDE. Taking into account the egg results, DDT bioaccumulation is a question of concern. Considering just the egg consumption, it was estimated that DDT intake in the study area is 0.38×10−4 mg.kg−1 body weight.day−1 whereas the reference maximum dose (US EPA) is 5×10−4 mg.kg−1 body weight.day−1. This approach can be used to estimate DDT exposure in other places where DDT contamination may be of concern, especially in places where locally produced animals and eggs are a significant portion of the diet.

Risk reduction for DDT toxicity and carcinogenesis through dietary modification.

Organochlorine pesticides, including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), are an environmental hazard due to their persistent nature and potential health effects. DDT and 1,1,dichloro-2,2,bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) are lipid-soluble pesticides which accumulate in fatty tissues and are, therefore, more present in fat-containing foods such as meat, fish, milk, cheese and oil than in fruit, vegetables and grain. Scientists have for some time been concerned about the human exposure to DDT and the potential risk of breast cancer due to its oestrogenic activity. The introduction of foods containing chemopreventive agents in the diet could inhibit the oestrogenic effects of DDT and the risk of developing cancer. Phytooestrogens are weak oestrogens found in certain plants such as soybean. They compete with DDT for oestrogen receptors and inhibit the oestrogenic effect of DDT on cultured human breast (MCF) cells. Curcumin, a spice widely used in Indian dishes, has anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also inhibits the oestrogenic effects of DDT and is synergistic with phytooestrogens. Indole-3-carbinol, a compound naturally found in cruciferous vegetables, stimulates oestrogen metabolism towards 2-hydroxyoestrone which reduces the oestrogenic response in MCF cells and the risk of breast cancer. Since DDT is lipid soluble and accumulates in adipose tissue it could have a role in lipid metabolism. Would a low fat diet reduce DDT bioaccumulation? A reduction in calories can decrease oestrogen levels and possibly reduce the risk of breast cancer. A dietary modification with the introduction of soy products, curcumin, cruciferous vegetables and low fat could be beneficial in reducing the risk of developing cancer and possibly the effects of DDT.

Toxicity and bioaccumulation of ddt in freshwater amphipods in exposures to spiked sediments

AbstractThe amphipods Hyalella azteca and Diporeia spp. were exposed to sediments dosed with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and the toxicity and toxicokinetics were determined. The toxicity was evaluated with the equilibrium partitioning (EqP) and critical body residue approaches. The DDT in the sediments degraded during the equilibration period prior to organism exposure. Thus, the toxicity using EqP pore‐water toxic units (TUs) was evaluated for DDT and its degradation product, dichlorodiphenyld‐ichloroethane (DDD), as the ratio of the predicted interstitial water concentration divided by the water‐only LC50 values. The sum of TUs (ΣTU) was assumed to best represent the toxicity of the mixture. For H. azteca, the 10‐d LC50 was 0.98 and 0.33 ΣTU for two experiments. For Diporeia spp., no toxicity was found in the first experiment with up to 3 ΣTU predicted in the interstitial water. However, in the second experiment, the 28‐d LC50 was 0.67 ΣTU. These data suggest that the EqP approach approximately predicts the toxicity for the combination of DDT and DDD in sediment, provided a toxic unit approach is employed. The critical body residue approach also used TUs because DDT is biotransformed by H. azteca and because of the dual exposure to DDT and DDD. Because biotransformation was only determined in the second experiment, the critical body residue approach could only be evaluated for that case. The TUs were calculated as the ratio of the concentration in the live amphipods divided by the respective LR50 (residue concentration required to produce 50% mortality) values. The LR50 was 1.1 ΣTU for H. azteca for the 10‐d exposure and 0.53 for Diporeia spp. after a 28‐d exposure. Thus, this approach was also quite successful in predicting the toxicity. The accumulation and loss rates for H. azteca were much greater than for Diporeia spp. Thus, 10‐d exposures represent steady‐state conditions for H. azteca, while even at 28‐d, the Diporeia spp. are not at steady state.