This experiment demonstrates that this degradation pathway really can occur. But Schauffler said the compound probably degraded much more quickly in the laboratory than it does in nature. Instead, a massive volume remains, and they suspect that it will take many more decades to naturally degrade. As long as the chemical lies on the surface of the ocean floor, Southern California's marine life will suffer the effects of the poison. A major difference between the lab and nature is that DDE was added to the water for the tests instead of being bound up in the sediment for years.
Microbes thrive in warmer water.
To address such uncertainties, the Michigan team has mounted new experiments that more closely replicate the temperature and other conditions of the ocean floor. Results are expected this year. The ministry of agriculture yesterday issued a new list of banned pesticides and fertilisers, raising from 74 to 109 the number of chemicals not allowed in Lebanon because they are harmful to the health of the public. The list is part of a ministerial effort to better regulate the pesticide sector. According to Youssef Abu Jaoude, a consultant working with the ministry, many farmers are misapplying pesticides some of which are harmful both to farmers and consumers because they either don't know any better, or to increase harvests.