Question

The major drawback of DDT as a pesticide is that

• A. It is significantly less effective than other pesticides.
• B. Its cost of production is high.
• C. It is not readily and rapidly degraded in nature.
• D. Organisms at once develop resistance to it.

Answer 1

The correct option is C It is not readily and rapidly degraded in nature.

Effects of DDT are amplified due to fat-solubility and its accumulation in the living tissues. The chemical accumulates in fish, and, when birds eat such fish, the chemical accumulates in their fat tissue, resulting in fragile eggs. The thinning of eggshells and breakage of eggs are attributed to the effects of DDT upon the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Whether used in agriculture or for vector control, once DDT enters the environment, it can remain for many years. In water, it does not easily dissolve, but instead attaches to sediment particles or is broken down by microorganisms into DDE and some DDD. In soil, DDT lasts for a very long time because it binds strongly to soil particles. Once attached, DDT and its byproducts can persist for as long as 15 years.