Question

Which one of the following is not correct with regard to DDT?

• A. DDT is biodegradable and does not undergoes biomagnification
• B. DDT is non-biodegradable and undergoes biomagnification
• C. DDT cannot be metabolised by the body
• D. DDT is long lived and accumulates in fatty tissues

Answer 1

The correct option is A DDT is biodegradable and does not undergoes biomagnification

Biomagnification is the process by which toxic substances which cannot be metabolised by the body, start becoming more and more concentrated at successive trophic levels. DDT was once, used extensively as a pesticide and was sprayed on crops to kill insects. However, it has been noticed that through run off from fields, DDT enters streams and lakes, and enters the food chain of aquatic plants and animals. Because DDT is non-biodegradable, it keeps accumulating at toxic levels in living bodies.