The Earth Science Colloquium presents:
The DDT Story You Haven't Heard
Dr. David Valentine, Professor, Chair, IGPMS Earth Science, University of California, Santa Barbara.
Short Abstract: Once considered a wonder pesticide, DDT fell out of favor following the realization of its ecological effects, as popularized by Rachel Carson in her book, Silent Spring. During the heyday of DDT use, the nation’s largest manufacturing facility was located in Los Angeles, CA. In this talk I will discuss the transport, fate and impacts of DDT waste streams that originated from industrial synthesis at this location, including the rediscovery of deep ocean DDT waste disposal, and impacts to the deep coastal ocean environment. I will also discuss interactions with policy makers, the shifting of scientific messaging as this issue morphed from ‘barrels of DDT waste’ to ‘barrels of radioactive waste amidst a DDT-laden seabed’, and the forthcoming premier of a documentary (at the DOC NYC film festival) on this work: https://www.outofplainsight.com/
Host: Dr. Steven L. Goldstein, Interim Director, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.
The Earth Science Colloquium Series, sponsored by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia University Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DEES), provides a lively forum for discussing a wide variety of topics within the Earth sciences and related fields. Colloquia are attended by the full range of scientific and technical staff at LDEO. Colloquium attendance is required of all pre-orals DEES graduate students. The Colloquium Series supports the Lamont Seminar Diversity Initiative.
