DDT in Antarctic Snow

CONTAMINATION of the environment by persistent pesticides is universal1–11. Residues have been found in a variety of animals in the Antarctic12,15; analysis of two samples of glacial ice from the vicinity of Byrd Station (80° S, 1190° W) gave negative results13, but traces of dieldrin and DDT have been found in biota on Signy Island in the Antarctic, 3,000 miles from McMurdo Sound. The ecological implications of these contaminants have been discussed14,15.