The use of DDT was banned in 1972, and despite 40 years without application in the US, DDT residues are still easily detected in sediments of impacted water bodies. The Salton Sea, a large man-made lake, and McGrath Lake were surveyed for the distribution of DDT and its derivatives. Sediment samples were collected along the southern rim of the Salton Sea and throughout the extent of McGrath Lake. Soil cores were sectioned at various depths to examine the distribution and concentrations of DDT derivatives. Total DDT concentrations reached 108 and 2914 ng g-1 in Salton Sea and McGrath Lake sediments, respectively. DDE was the most common form of DDT detected, above the effect threshold value in 85 and 100% of Salton Sea and McGrath Lake samples, respectively. The distribution of DDT residues also displayed unique patterns both vertically and horizontally in these lakes.

Forty years later: A reconnaissance of DDT in sediments of two southern California lakes

244th National Meeting (2012)

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