Biodegradation of cyclodiene insecticide endosulfan by Mucor thermo-hyalospora MTCC 1384

摘要

Endosulfan, a chlorinated cyclodiene insecticide, is of environmental concern because of its apparent persistence and toxicity to many non-target organisms. The fungus, Mucor thermo-hyalospora MTCC 1384 was found to bring about transformation of endosulfan molecules. The identification of endosulfan metabolites by thin layer chromatography, gas liquid chromatography using electron capture detector, H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry and infrared spectra revealed the formation of a major non-toxic metabolite, endosulfan diol and also production of insignificant amount of endosulfan sulfate. This indicates that the fungus is involved in both oxidative and hydrolytic pathways for degradation of this compound. [References: 13]