DDT and metabolites
Toxic and persistent organochloropesticide
DDT is an effective contact and stomach insecticide which has been used widely in agriculture and forestry. The commercial product is a mixture of the isomers p,p’-DDT (ca. 77%), o,p’-DDT (ca. 15%) and the metabolites DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene) und DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane).
Between 1946 and 1972 it was the most widely used insecticide. It was of special importance in the fight against the tropical disease Malaria which is transmitted by the Anopheles-midge.
DDT is very persistent in the environment. It adheres to soil particles and can enter surface waters during run-off. In the atmosphere it can travel over large distances adsorbed to dust particles.
DDT accumulates in the fatty tissues of organisms and is biomagnified in the food web.
DDT is toxic to humans and animals and acts as endocrine disruptor. Moreover, there is evidence for mutagenicity and carcinogenicity.
Since the Stockholm Convention entered into force in 2004, the use of DDT is restricted to vector control.
In the Federal Republic of Germany, DDT was banned in 1972. In the German Democratic Republic (GDR) the compound was successively banned between 1971 and 1988. It was, however, more important in GDR agriculture and forestry and was still applied extensively in 1983 and 1984 to control the bark-beetle.
Recommended analysis examples
Search data
Substances
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p,p'-DDEDDE is the main metabolite of DDT. It is even more persistent than the parent compound and is strongly accumulated by organisms. It is suspected to be carcinogenic, mutagenic and to act as endocrine disruptor.
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p,p'-DDDDDD is a metabolite of DDT with insecticidal properties. It is suspected to be carcinogenic and to act as endocrine disruptor.
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p,p'-DDT (DE)
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o,p'-DDT (DE)
Specimen
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Common mussel species as invasive animal in rivers and lakes with high information level for water pollution
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Bioindicator in rivers and lakes
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Fine insoluble mineral or organic particles in the water phase
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One of the most important edible mussel species common in the North and Baltic Sea
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As the only viviparous fish in German nearshore waters, it is a bioindicator in nearshore coastal marine ecosystems.
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Inshore, the herring gull mainly feeds from the sea: upon fish, mussels, and crabs.
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The roe deer is the most common of the larger herbivores (first order-consumer) to be found in the wild in Europe.
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A pigeon species home in nearly every city.
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As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).
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As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).
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Soil is livelihood and biosphere for humans, animals, plants and soil organisms. All the substances brought in are transported, transformed and/or accumulated in the soil.
Sampling area
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The only high mountains national park in Germany and an area of the Limestone Alps with international relevance
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Important, old-industrialised conurbation in Germany.
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Main water divide between the North- and Baltic Sea
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Longest river in Germany
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Germany's first national park
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National Park in the largest brackish water (Bodden) habitat of the world.
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National park in the world largest connected sand and mud flats.
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Fourth largest river basin in Central Europe
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Region in the chemical triangle of Central Germany
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Germany's largest forest national park
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Second highest and largest low mountain range in Northern Germany
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Germany's largest connected forest area in a range of low mountains
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The Upper Bavarian Tertiary Uplands are a part of the Southern German Molasse Basin
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Second largest river in Europe
Sampling period
1985 - 2023