Bioremediation of DDT-Contaminated Soils: A Review

Authors: Foght, Julia¹; April, Trevor²; Biggar, Kevin³; Aislabie, Jackie⁴

Source: Bioremediation Journal, Volume 5, Number 3, July-September 2001 , pp. 225-246(22)

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Abstract:

The insecticide 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) has been used extensively since the 1940s for control of agricultural pests, and is still used in many tropical countries for mosquito control. Despite a ban on DDT use in most industrialized countries since 1972, DDT and its related residues (DDTr) persist in the environment and pose animal and human health risks. Abiotic processes such as volatilization, adsorption, and photolysis contribute to the dissipation of DDTr in soils, often without substantial alteration of the chemical structure. In contrast, biodegradation has the potential to degrade DDTr significantly and reduce soil concentrations in a cost-effective manner. Many bacteria and some fungi transform DDT, forming products with varying recalcitrance to further degradation. DDT biodegradation is typically co-metabolic and includes dechlorination and ring cleavage mechanisms. Factors that influence DDTr biodegradation in soil include the composition and enzymatic activity of the soil microflora, DDTr bioavailability, the presence of soil organic matter as a co-metabolic substrate and (or) inducer, and prevailing soil conditions, including aeration, pH, and temperature. Understanding how these factors affect DDTr biodegradation permits rational design of treatments and amendments to stimulate biodegradation in soils. The DDTr-degrading organisms, processes and approaches that may be useful for bioremediation of DDTr-contaminated soils are discussed, including in situ amendments, ex situ bioreactors and sequential anaerobic and aerobic treatments.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/20018891079302

Affiliations: 1: Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton Alberta Canada T6G 2E9 2: Biological Sciences, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Edmonton Alberta Canada T5G 2R1 3: Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaT6G 2G7 4: Landcare Research, Private Bag 3127, Hamilton New Zealand

Publication date: 2001-07-01

Bioremediation of DDT-Contaminated Soils: A Review

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