Analysis of animal fat (Weddell Seal, Adelie Penguin and Skua) for DDT concentration

A special method was designed to test levels of DDT in the fats of Antarctica animals including Weddell seals, Adelie penguins and Skuas.. In this method emphasis was placed on identification of the DDT detected in the samples. The procedure involves preliminary steps to eliminate interfering substances from extracts as far as possible. The cleaned extracts are then analysed by gas chromatography and the identity of DDT confirmed by quantitative chemical conversion to DDE followed by further gas chromatography.