Publication Summary

Data are reported on DDT compounds (p,p' and o,p' isomers of DDT and metabolites DDE and DDD) in fish, water, and bed sediments from the Yakima River drainage in Washington state. p,p'-DDE was the predominant compound in fish and the only DDT compound detected in water from the main stem of the river. However, concentrations of p,p'-DDT predominated in water and bed sediments from Yakima tributaries identified as current sources of DDT compounds. These data suggest DDT is extremely persistent in Yakima basin soils. Reports of similar findings in other locales, especially California, are discussed.

Data are reported on DDT compounds (p,p' and o,p' isomers of DDT and metabolites DDE and DDD) in fish, water, and bed sediments from the Yakima River drainage in Washington state. p,p'-DDE was the predominant compound in fish and the only DDT compound detected in water from the main stem of the river. However, concentrations of p,p'-DDT predominated in water and bed sediments from Yakima tributaries identified as current sources of DDT compounds. These data suggest DDT is extremely persistent in Yakima basin soils. Reports of similar findings in other locales, especially California, are discussed.

Data compiled by the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are used to illustrate the historical trend toward decreasing concentrations of DDT compounds in water and fish from the main stem of the Yakima River. The importance of irrigation in the transport of DDT compounds from agricultural soils to the Yakima River is demonstrated.