DDT contamination of benthic macroinvertebrates and sediments from tributaries of Wheeler Reservoir, Alabama.

Residues of DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane) were measured quarterly during 1983-84 in bottom sediments and benthic macroinvertebrates from heavily contaminated sections of Huntsville Spring Branch (HSB) and Indian Creek (IC), backwater streams on Wheeler Reservoir (Alabama). Bottom muds from both channel and overbank locations contained mean concentrations of DDTR (DDT and its metabolites) ranging from 12 to 2,730 ppm (dry weight). Sediment DDTR were highest in HSB at stations closest to the original DDT source. Stations in IC, downstream from HSB, had progressively lower DDTR as distance from the DDT source increased. Macroinvertebrate DDTR measured from several stations suggested bioaccumulation of residues mainly through food webs; however, at the most contaminated locations, substrate and mode of life appeared to override trophic level effects in determining DDTR in the benthos. There is apparently an upper limit to the amount of DDTR these organisms usually accumulate. For example, detritivore DDTR from channel sediments at two stations just downstream from the DDT source averaged 125.1 and 157.9 ppm, respectively, although sediment DDTR at these two sites averaged 2,730 ppm and 96 ppm, respectively. Benthic macroinvertebrates in the highly contaminated sediments of HSB and IC apparently acquire DDTR from water, sediments, and food.