Microbial Degradation of Pesticides.
Abstract
Microbial degradation of various organochlorine, organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides by aquatic and soil microorganisms was studied. Bacteria, fungi, and an alga (Cylindrospermum sp.) metabolized DDT to water-soluble products. DDT, DDA, and 2-chlorosuccinic acid were not detected; however, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene, DDD, DDE, DDM, DBH, DBP and PCPA were detected. The degradation of DDT metabolites yielded: DDM, DBH and DBP from DDA; DBH and DBP from DDM; and DBH from DBP. Microorganisms were found capable of converting diphenylmethane, and analog of DDT, to 1,1,1',1'-tetraphenyldimethyl ether. Pseudomonas putida 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 and converted diphenylmethane to benzhydrol and benzophenone as well as cleaving diphenylmethane and benzhydrol to phenylacetic and phenylglycolic acids, respectively. Arthrobacter sp. metabolized PCPA to 4-chloro-3-hydroxyphenyl-acetic acid. DDT and its breakdown products had no significant effect on respiration of microbial communities or algal productivity. The biodegradability of DDT analogs was related to their chemical structure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA047675
Entities
People
- Martin Alexander
Organizations
- Cornell University