DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) dosage

DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is an organochlorine pesticide that was 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 due to its bioaccumulation in food chains and its effects on human and animal health.

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

Analytical principle

DDT analysis is based on the separation and detection of organochlorine compounds:

• GC-ECD (gas chromatography with electron capture detection) : particularly suitable for 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, particularly in complex matrices.

These methods meet food safety, environmental and health standards set by international authorities, such as EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and European Contaminant Directives.

Industrial applications

DDT dosing is essential for many sectors:

• Human food : 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)
• Food supplements and plant extracts
• Raw materials for animal feed
• Surface water, groundwater and wastewater
• Soils and sediments
• Essential oils and medicinal plant extracts

Quality issues and regulatory compliance

Controlling DDT is essential to address several challenges:

• Food safety : consumer protection against a banned and toxic pesticide.
• Regulatory compliance : compliance with maximum residue limits set by European and international regulations.
• Environmental protection : monitoring persistent pollution in soil and water.
• Prevention of health risks : limitation of 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 its network of certified and accredited partner laboratories (ISO 17025, COFRAC), specialized in the analysis of pesticides and organochlorine pollutants. Thanks to our digital platform, you benefit from:

• Fast and simplified sample submission
• Real-time monitoring of the progress of your analyses
• Reliable and interpretable results, in accordance with international standards
• Personalized scientific support for the choice of analytical methods (GC-ECD, GC-MS) adapted to your matrices

Related analyses

• Dosage of DDE and DDD (metabolites of DDT )
• Multi-residue pesticide profiling (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS)
• Dioxin and PCB determination