Content and distribution pattern of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in soils of Moscow

Abstract

The content and distribution pattern of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDE and DDD) in the surface layers of soils in Moscow are studied. The residual content of these substances in the soils varies within 2.22–1440 µg/kg (at a mean value of 158.9 ± 314.1 µg/kg and median 42.53 µg/kg). The correlation between the contents of DDT and its metabolites and DDD and organic matter is revealed. The highest contents of the pollutants are seen in the residential–transport and industrial zones of Moscow, while their lowest contents are revealed in the soils of the yards of preschool facilities and schools. With respect to the residual contents of the pesticide, most of the soils of Moscow can be considered uncontaminated (80.0%) and acceptably contaminated (7.5%).