Studies on Microbial Degradation of Toxic Phosphorus Esters. Part 1. Detoxification of O, O-Dimethyl-O-(2-carbomethoxy-1-methylvinyl) Phosphate by Soil Bacteria
Author | : B. C. Wolverton |
Publisher | : |
Total Pages | : 19 |
Release | : 1969 |
ISBN-10 | : OCLC:227661008 |
ISBN-13 | : |
Rating | : 4/5 (08 Downloads) |
Book excerpt: In an attempt to find a new method for detoxifying cholinesterase-inhibiting, organophosphorus compounds, studies were undertaken to isolate bacteria capable of degrading O, O-dimethyl-O-(2-carbomethoxy-1-methylvinyl) phosphate (Phosdrin). Degradation of the insecticide was determined by gas chromatography, while decreased toxicity was confirmed by measuring cholinesterase activity with a recording pH stat. Of the thirty cultures screened, two showed 80-90% degradation of the original 20 ppm Phosdrin in 10 days, with a corresponding decrease in toxicity. One of the cultures was isolated from soil collected on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and the other as a laboratory contaminant. The bacteria were identified as two different strains of Bacillus megaterium. (Author).