Microbial Degradation of DDT.
Abstract
Over 110 marine bacteria were isolated and tested for their ability to convert DDT to water-soluble products. Forty-seven were found to convert 5% to 10% of the 14C-DDT to water-soluble products, 38 solubilized less than 5% of the insecticide, and 29 were apparently inactive by the test methods employed. Mucor alternans, a fungus exceptionally active in producing water-soluble metabolites from DDT, was used as a model for determining the identities of the water-soluble metabolites. Although these compounds have not yet been identified, they are not DDT, DDA, DBH, DBP, PCPA, or 2-chlorosuccinic acid. Therefore, previously uncharacterized products are probably formed by M. alternans. The hypothesis that nutrient availability is limiting DDT degradation is now being tested. For this purpose natural microbial communities of sea water containing bottom sediments are being subjected to a large number of different treatments in an attempt either to enrich for DDT-degrading organisms or to provide the conditions necessary for rapid DDT decomposition. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0762469
Entities
People
- Martin Alexander
Organizations
- Cornell University