Microbial Degradation of DDT.
Abstract
Pseudomonas putida, an organism capable of utilizing diphenlmethane as sole source of carbon and energy, converted bis(p-chlorophenyl)acetic acid to bis(p-chlorophenyl)methane, 4,4'-dichlorobenzhydrol, and 4,4'-dichlorobenzophenone by cometabolism. The organism also dehalogenated 4,4'-dichlorobenzhydrol and 4,4'-dichlorobenzophenone. This is the first report of such dehalogenations of ring chlorines derived from DDT. Pseudomonas putida was also shown to convert diphenylmethane to benzhydrol and benzophenone. The organism was also found to be capable of ring cleavage of diphenylmethane and benzhydrol, producing phenylacetic and phenylglycolic acids, respectively. Studies were conducted to assess the effect of salinity, temperature, oxygen tension and presence of sediment organic nutrients and algal cells on the decomposition of DDT in model marine ecosystems. In the model ecosystems receiving the alga Cylindrospermum sp. or diphenylmethane, DDD, DDE, and DBP were formed from DDT. DDT and its breakdown products had no significant effect on respiration of microbial communities or algal productivity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA012840
Entities
People
- Martin Alexander
Organizations
- Cornell University