New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research abstracts

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Microbial degradation of DDT and its residues--a review

J. M. AISLABIE

Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research
Private Bag 3127
Hamilton, New Zealand

N. K. RICHARDS
H. L. BOUL

AgResearch
Canterbury Agriculture and Science Centre
P. O. Box 60
Lincoln, New Zealand

Abstract  Microbial degradation of DDT residues is one mechanism for loss of DDT from soil. In this review pathways for biodegradation of DDT, DDD, and DDE by bacteria and fungi are described. Biodegradation of DDT residues can proceed in soil, albeit at a slow rate. To enhance degradation in situ a number of strategies are proposed. They include the addition of DDT-metabolising microbes to contaminated soils and/or the manipulation of environmental conditions to enhance the activity of these microbes. Ligninolytic fungi and chlorobiphenyl degrading bacteria are promising candidates for remediation. Flooding of soil and the addition of organic matter can enhance DDT degradation. As biodegradation may be inhibited by lack of access of the microbe to the contaminant, the soil may need to be pre-treated with a surfactant. Unlike DDT, little is known about the biodegradation of DDE, and this knowledge is crucial as DDE can be the predominant residue in some soils.

Keywords  DDT; DDD; DDE; soil; microbial degradation

New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1997, Vol. 40: 269-282

0028-8233/97/4002-0269 $7.00/0 (c) The Royal Society of New Zealand 1997

PDF file of entire paper: medium quality (1136K); (scanned from paper original: notes about this process)

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