DDT, a wonder pesticide, was used in agriculture to meet the demand for new and better pest control treatments as farmers sought to increase production. It was not water-soluble, had broad spectrum effectiveness, and was extremely persistent, causing detrimental effects on humans, plants, and animals that contact it in the soil. Plant diversity effects on community productivity often increase over time, possibly due to temporal shifts in species. DDT and its metabolites have an “increase-decrease-increase” trend, with concentrations of p,p’-DDD and p,p’-DDE increasing over time.
DDT is toxic to animals and humans due to its persistence, lipophilicity, and bioaccumulative potential. Crop production was lower in plots previously treated with DDT than in untreated plots, and although soil nutrients were depleted by continuous cultivation, there was no greater depletion in plots with higher yields. Data suggests that oil content of seeds has a bearing on a plant’s susceptibility or tolerance to DDT. Lipids of the plant cell solubilize and disperse DDT in the cytoplasm, which affects normal metabolism within the cell.
DDT added to soil at a concentration of 50 microg/g(-1) had no inhibitory effects on germination and plant growth of barley, mung, and rice. The stress caused by cadmium (Cd) and the toxicity of DDT have direct effects on the growth and yield of crop plants. DDT penetration into plant tissue is sufficiently large to obscure the increased toxicity of material on foliage compared to glass surface.
DDT was effective for insect control in crop and livestock production, institutions, homes, and gardens. Its quick success as a pesticide has led to concerns about its health and social implications.
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How does DDT affect plants?
The study reveals that plants grown in DDT-treated soil experienced reduced cell number and length, and the role of calcium is discussed. It suggests that growth inhibition in oil seed plants may be due to low levels of Ca2+ and K+ in DDT-treated soils. The research is based on data from Elsevier B. V., its licensors, and contributors, and is protected by copyright and Creative Commons licensing terms for open access content.
Why is DDT important in agriculture?
DDT, a synthetic insecticide, was developed in the 1940s to combat malaria, typhus, and other insect-borne diseases. It was also used in crop and livestock production, institutions, homes, and gardens. However, its rapid success led to the development of resistance by many insect pest species. The U. S. Department of Agriculture began regulating DDT in the late 1950s and 1960s due to its declining benefits and environmental and toxicological effects.
The publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring in 1962 sparked public concern over improper pesticide use and the need for better controls. In 1972, the EPA issued a cancellation order for DDT due to its adverse environmental effects and potential human health risks. Studies have continued, and a relationship between DDT exposure and reproductive effects in humans is suspected. Some animals exposed to DDT have developed liver tumors, making it a probable human carcinogen by U. S. and international authorities.
Is DDT a fertilizer for plants?
DDT is not a fertilizer, as it is not used to increase plant growth and yield. Fertilizers include micronutrient, phosphorus, and nitrogenous fertilizers. Greenhouse gases, such as CFCs, methane, and carbon dioxide, cause the greenhouse effect and increase global warming. DDT is not a greenhouse gas. Biodegradable pollutants, such as human or animal excreta, agricultural waste, food waste, and detritus material, are pollution-causing agents that are biodegradable in nature.
How does DDT affect the ecosystem?
The chemical DDT, which is found in aquatic animals, has been demonstrated to exert a detrimental impact on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. It has also been established that DDT is highly toxic to fish and moderately toxic to amphibians, including frogs, toads, and salamanders.
Why was DDT so good?
DDT is an efficacious and environmentally benign insecticide that is cost-effective and readily absorbed into the environment.
Why is DDT no longer used?
DDT is a recognized carcinogen, developmental and reproductive toxicant, and suspected endocrine disruptor. It has been linked to a range of adverse health effects in humans, including neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular issues. Further research is needed to fully understand the full scope of its health impacts.
Why is DDT a major contributor to soil pollution?
DDT, a persistent organic pollutant (POP), is readily absorbed into soil and sediment, rendering it resistant to environmental degradation. The material is protected by copyright © 2024 Elsevier B. V. and may not be used without permission. This includes, but is not limited to, text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. The open access content is licensed under Creative Commons terms.
Does DDT affect soil?
Chemicals like dieldrin and DDT can contaminate soil for decades and accumulate in agricultural produce, including livestock grazing on affected land. International standards set for acceptable residues in produce put valuable domestic and export markets at risk. Livestock, including cattle and other stock, can accumulate these residues in their body fat when ingesting soil from affected land. Absorption occurs via the gastrointestinal tract and accumulates in the body.
How long does DDT last in soil?
DDT, DDE, and DDD are harmful chemicals found in the air, soil, and groundwater. They are quickly broken down by sunlight, with half of the air’s DDT breaking down within 2 days. Most DDT in soil is broken down slowly by microorganisms, with half breaking down in 2-15 years. DDT accumulates in plants and fatty tissues of animals. Exposure to DDT can occur through contaminated foods, imported foods, breathing contaminated air or soil particles, swallowing contaminated soil, or drinking contaminated water near waste sites and landfills.
Infants fed on breast milk from exposed mothers can also be exposed. DDT affects the nervous system, with accidental swallowing of large amounts causing excitability, tremors, and seizures. However, no effects were observed in people who took small daily doses of DDT capsules for 18 months.
Is DDT a manure?
D. D. T., a non-biodegradable pollutant initially introduced as an insecticide, has become widely recognized for its deleterious environmental impacts, yet it is also an important fertilizer.
Is DDT organic waste?
DDT, a persistent organic pollutant (POP), is readily absorbed into soil and sediment, rendering it resistant to environmental degradation. The material is protected by copyright © 2024 Elsevier B. V. and may not be used without permission. This includes, but is not limited to, text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. The open access content is licensed under Creative Commons terms.
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