ABSTRACT
Aside from organochlorine biocides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a major class of synthetic chlorinated organic compounds having a wide range of industrial applications due to their unique set of properties. This chapter examines the sources, distribution, and biotic impacts of DDT and PCBs in estuaries. Historical diminution in production of both PCB s and DDT is closely linked to the acquisition of data on the environmental fate of these organo-chlorine compounds. In addition to DDT, an extensive list of chlorinated compounds was developed for use as commercial pesticides, including but not limited to aldrin, chlordane, endrin, heptochlor, dieldrin, perthane, and toxaphene. Endrin contamination has been detected mainly in biota from the Gulf of Mexico and parts of California and secondarily from the mid- and South Atlantic regions. In regard to biota, the bulk of the contamination data has been obtained on benthic invertebrates, nearly exclusively bivalves, and teleosts.
