DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) dosage

DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is an organochlorine pesticide widely used in the past for crop protection and vector control of diseases such as malaria. Banned in most countries since the 1970s due to its toxicity and persistence in the environment, it remains a molecule of concern because of its bioaccumulation in food chains and its effects on human and animal health.

DDT testing is essential to verify the absence of residual contamination in soils, food, water, or related products. Analysis is performed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) or by mass spectrometry (GC-MS), techniques recognized for their high sensitivity and compliance with international regulatory requirements.

Analytical principle

DDT analysis relies on the separation and detection of organochlorine compounds:

• GC-ECD (gas chromatography with electron capture detection) : particularly suited to chlorinated pesticides, this method offers high sensitivity for residual traces.
• GC-MS (gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : it allows precise identification and reliable confirmation of results, especially in complex matrices.

These methods meet the food safety, environmental and health standards defined by international authorities, such as the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and European directives on contaminants.

Industrial applications

DDT dosing is essential for many sectors:

• Food for human consumption : control of DDT residues in fruits, vegetables, cereals, oils and processed products to ensure compliance with maximum residue limits (MRLs).
• Nutraceuticals : securing food supplements of plant or animal origin against any organochlorine contamination.
• Animal nutrition : verification of the quality of raw materials (cereals, fodder, oils) used in livestock feed.
• Plants and phytotherapy : control of botanical extracts and essential oils intended for nutraceutical or cosmetic use.
• Environment : detection of residual pollution in soils, sediments and surface waters.

Affected matrices

Matrices typically analyzed for DDT assay include:

• Food products (fruits, vegetables, oils, cereals, processed products)
• Dietary supplements and plant extracts
• Raw materials for animal feed
• Surface water, groundwater and wastewater
• Soils and sediments
• Essential oils and extracts of medicinal plants

Quality and regulatory compliance issues

Control of DDT is essential to address several issues:

• Food safety : protecting consumers from a banned and toxic pesticide.
• Regulatory compliance : compliance with maximum residue limits set by European and international regulations.
• Environmental protection : monitoring of persistent pollution in soils and waters.
• Prevention of health risks : limiting chronic exposure to DDT, associated with endocrine disruption, carcinogenic effects and impacts on fertility.
• Export and international trade : compliance of products intended for export with global food safety standards.

YesWeLab support

YesWeLab provides access to its network of certified and accredited partner laboratories (ISO 17025, COFRAC), specializing in the analysis of pesticides and organochlorine pollutants. Through our digital platform, you benefit from:

• A quick and easy sample submission
• Real-time monitoring of the progress of your analyses
• Reliable and interpretable results, in accordance with international standards
• Personalized scientific support for choosing the analytical methods (GC-ECD, GC-MS) best suited to your matrices

Related analyses

• DDE and DDD ( DDT )
• Multi-residue pesticide profiling (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS)
• Dioxin and PCB levels