Effects of DDT and its metabolites on soil algae and enzymatic activity

The persistence of DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane] and its metabolites in soil, their toxicity to soil algae, and effects on microbial activities were studied in laboratory microcosms for 45 days. In non-sterile soils, removal of DDD [1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane] and DDE [1,1dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene] was less than 3%, while 4-8% of applied DDMU [1-chloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene], DDA [2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)acetic acid] and DDT were lost. Added DDOH [2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethanol] was more labile, as 60% was degraded during the same period. Soil microalgae were not measurably affected by the compounds tested at 10-50 mg kg(-1), but at 100 mg kg(-1) soil, DDD, DBP (p,p'-dichlorobenzophenone) and DDA significantly reduced their growth. Phosphatase activity was not affected by DDT and its metabolites at the concentrations tested (less than or equal to 50 mg kg(-1)), but all compounds inhibited dehydrogenase activity at concentrations of 50 mg kg(-1) soil. The toxic effects of DDT and its metabolites were dose-related.