With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Chemical 'Haloes' And 'Fried Egg' Bacteria: A Look At A DDT Dump Site
Researchers found bacteria, worms, and sponges among other things at DDT dumping sites off the Catalina coast.
(
Beth J. Harpaz
/
AP
)
It’s now well known that for decades, dangerous chemicals like DDT were dumped in barrels into the ocean between Los Angeles and Catalina Island. Scientists believe there could be as many as 25,000 barrels.
While not much is known about the full extent of the pollution the dumping caused, scientists were recently able to send back a firsthand look at what’s down there.
Researchers from UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography were already seven miles offshore on another marine mission when they realized they were close to a known dumping ground.
So they took a slight detour to plunge a robotic submersible down to take samples and livestream from the seafloor.
Support for LAist comes from
Viewers from around the world could see sponges, worms, and what looked like chemical “haloes” around the barrels.
Lisa Levin, one of the scientists on the mission, said they also found mats of bacteria that look like fried eggs feeding off the chemicals.
A second DDT barrel has been located with "Fried Egg" bacterial mats on top. https://t.co/KDElMHKoF4 #BiodiverseSCB #BiodiverseBorderlands pic.twitter.com/gGUF2CAzYb
— Schmidt Ocean (@SchmidtOcean) August 4, 2021
Levin says it could take about a year to wrap up a complete analysis — the findings could shape any future plans to clean up the mess.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Tens of thousands of workers across Southern California walk out over pay and staffing issues. -
People in and around recent burn scars should be alert to the risk of debris flows. Typical October weather will be back later this week. -
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership says the cuts amount to 11% of the workforce. -
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember.
Best of LAist