Microbial Degradation of Cyclodiene Pesticides

Abstract

Decomposition of the pesticides aldrin and dieldrin by aquatic microorganisms may result in more harmful products affecting the ecosystem. Isolates from fresh, brackish, and littoral water were cultured using, variously, selective media, enriched laboratory ecosystems, and impregnated wood strips and assessed qualitatively and quantitatively for action on pesticides by thin-layer chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, and 14C-labeled pesticide autoradiography. Cellulolytic Zylerion xylestrix grew well in media containing 10-500 micrograms/ml pesticide. Growth was stimulated by small quantities of the chemical and the fungus accumulated pesticides to levels 2000 times higher than the original medium concentration. A significant portion of the pesticides appeared to be chemically altered, but the products were not specifically identified.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1974
Accession Number
AD0778763

Entities

People

  • Peter L. Sguros

Organizations

  • Florida Atlantic University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alkanes
  • Alkenes
  • Bacteria
  • Biodegradation
  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Fungi
  • Health Services
  • Microbiology
  • Microorganisms
  • Organic Chemistry

Fields of Study

  • Agricultural and Food sciences

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Aquatic Ecology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology