Studies on the assimilation of l,l,l-trichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) byCrassostrea virginica Gmelin.

CONCLUSIONS: The gills of the oyster are probably the primary entry site of DDT. The gut may be a DDT entry site also, but is of secondary importance. Further, mantle uptake of DDT has not been demonstrated. Hence, DDT found in the mantle is probably deposited there by the circulatory system after uptake across the gills. On the basis of the rapid rate of pesticide elimination from oyster tissue, the value of the oyster as an environmental integrator is questionable.Reported solubility values for DDT range from 0.1 ug/1 to 45 ug/1 (11,12,13). Although these values are contradictory, the fact remains that DDT has an extremely low solubility in water. This low solubility, as well as a tendency for sorption on particulate matter and/or equipment employed in sample handling, may make kinetic studies with DDT and similar compounds impossible.