DDT (Dichlorodiphenyl-Trichloroacetic Acid)

Dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroacetic acid (or DDT) is a chlorinated hydrocarbon that has been widely used as an insecticide. DDT is virtually insoluble in water, but is freely soluble in oils and in the fat of organisms. DDT is also persistent in the environment. The combination of persistence and lipid solubility means that DDT biomagnifies, occurring in organisms in preference to the nonliving environment, especially in predators at the top of ecological food webs. Environmental contamination by DDT and related chemicals is a widespread problem, including the occurrence of residues in wildlife, in drinking water, and in humans. Ecological damage has included the poisoning of wildlife, especially avian predators.