O',p'-DDE
O',p'-DDE is a chemical compound that is a breakdown product of the pesticide DDT. It is one of the several metabolites of DDT, which was widely used in agriculture and for mosquito control before its environmental and health impacts were fully understood. O',p'-DDE is known for its persistence in the environment and its ability to bioaccumulate in the food chain.
Chemical Structure and Properties[edit | edit source]
O',p'-DDE is an organochlorine compound with the chemical formula C14H8Cl4. It is structurally similar to DDT but lacks the ethane bridge, which is replaced by a double bond, making it a dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene. This structural change occurs during the metabolic breakdown of DDT in the environment or within organisms.
Chemical Formula: C14H8Cl4
Molecular Weight: 318.03 g/mol
Appearance: O',p'-DDE is a colorless crystalline solid.
Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]
O',p'-DDE is highly persistent in the environment due to its chemical stability and low solubility in water. It tends to accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals, leading to biomagnification through the food chain. This can result in high concentrations in top predators, including birds of prey, marine mammals, and humans.
The persistence and bioaccumulation of O',p'-DDE have significant ecological impacts. It has been linked to the thinning of eggshells in birds, particularly in species such as the bald eagle and the peregrine falcon, leading to population declines.
Health Effects[edit | edit source]
O',p'-DDE is considered to be an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with hormone systems in animals and humans. Studies have suggested that exposure to O',p'-DDE may be associated with reproductive issues, developmental problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Regulation and Monitoring[edit | edit source]
Due to its persistence and potential health effects, O',p'-DDE, along with DDT and its other metabolites, is subject to international regulation under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. This treaty aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
Also see[edit | edit source]
- DDT
- Endocrine disruptor
- Bioaccumulation
- Persistent organic pollutant
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
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