Suspected DDT dumpsite found off California

The transcript discusses the discovery of over 25,000 barrels containing DDT off the Southern California coast near Catalina Island. These barrels were found by autonomous underwater vehicles at a depth of 3000 feet. An expert suggests that if the barrels have not leaked, they could be moved to a safer disposal area. DDT, developed in the 1940s as an insecticide, was banned in 1972 due to its harmful environmental effects and is now classified as a probable carcinogen. Previous studies have shown DDT presence in the water and its impact on marine life, raising concerns about its long-term effects.

What was the method used to discover the barrels containing DDT near Catalina Island?

• Diving expeditions

• Autonomous underwater vehicles

• Sonar scanning from a ship

• Satellite imagery

What was DDT originally developed for in the 1940s?

• As a cleaning agent

• As a fertilizer

• As a fuel additive

• As an insecticide

Why was DDT banned by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1972?

• Due to its high cost

• Because it was ineffective

• Due to public protests

• Because of its adverse environmental effects

What did the 2015 study in the Environmental Science and Technology journal find in Bottlenose Dolphins?

• No significant findings

• High levels of mercury

• Increased dolphin population

• High levels of DDT and other chemicals

What concerns do scientists have about the long-term effects of DDT?

• It will cause an increase in fish population

• It could impact marine wildlife and humans across generations

• It may cause immediate extinction of marine species

• It will lead to a decrease in ocean temperatures