Anaerobic degradation of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers in liquid and soil slurry systems.
Gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH or lindane), one of the most commonly used insecticides, has been mainly used in agriculture. Organochloride compounds are known to be highly toxic and persistent, causing serious water and soil pollution. The objective of the present study is the evaluation of the anaerobic degradation of alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-HCH in liquid and slurry cultures. The slurry system with anaerobic sludge appears as an effective alternative in the detoxification of polluted soils with HCH, as total degradation of the four isomers was attained. While alpha- and gamma-HCH disappeared after 20-40d, the most recalcitrant isomers: beta- and delta-HCH were only degraded after 102d. Intermediate metabolites of HCH degradation as pentachlorocyclohexane (PCCH), tetrachlorocyclohexene (TCCH), tri-, di- and mono-chlorobenzenes were observed during degradation time.
Quintero
Juan Carlos
JC
Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago, Spain.
Moreira
Maria Teresa
MT
Feijoo
Gumersindo
G
Lema
Juan M
JM
D000693:Anaerobiosis; D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001556:Hexachlorocyclohexane / Q000378:metabolism*; D007306:Insecticides / Q000378:metabolism*; D012722:Sewage / Q000382:microbiology; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism*; D013237:Stereoisomerism; D018505:Waste Management / Q000379:methods
D007306:Insecticides; D012722:Sewage; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D001556:Hexachlorocyclohexane