The pesticide DDT concentrates in the fat of animals and tends to remain in the soil despite heavy rain?

Question

What do these observations tell you about the nature of the DDT molecule?

Answer 1

This suggests that DDT is oil soluble as opposed to water soluble. This characteristic causes it to bioaccumulate in the food chain.

Answer 2

According to Wikipedia, DDT has a broad range of half-life, from 2-15 years The pesticide was banned in the United States in 1972, 34 years ago. It is banned as well in all the developed countries who, for the time being, at least, have conquered their insect problems. You are beating a dead horse unless you want to prohibit use of the chemical against malaria-carrying mosquitoes in third world countries. USAID, the major provider has discouraged its use in favor of more expensive chemicals.

"The EPA held seven months of hearings in 1971-1972, with scientists giving evidence both for and against the use of DDT. In the summer of 1972, Ruckelshaus announced a ban on virtually all uses of DDT in the U.S., where it was classified as an EPA Toxicity Class II.

The 1970s ban in the U.S. took place amid a climate of public mistrust of the scientific and industrial community, following such fiascoes as Agent Orange and use of the hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES). In addition, the placement of the bald eagle on the endangered species list was also a strong factor leading to its being banned in the United States. The overuse of DDT was claimed to be a major factor in the bald eagle population decline - a claim that has fallen into dispute.[7]"