Microbial metabolism of pesticides and structurally related compounds

This chapter provides a review concerning the microbial metabolism of pesticides and substances that are either major metabolites from pesticides or have structural similarity to certain pesticides, and covers the period 1981 to 1987. While reference has only been made to work published during this period, it should be realized that in some instances the results cited may confirm or expand upon earlier findings rather than being entirely novel. Therefore, the reader is referred to earlier reviews. The metabolism of pesticides in natural environments, water and wastewater, mixed microbial cultures, and pure cultures has been discussed. Attention has been drawn to the meager amount of information concerning the biodegradation of pesticides in anaerobic and marine environments. Issues such as the importance of cometabolism of pesticides in natural environments and a clear understanding of enhanced degradation of pesticides in soil still remain unresolved. Separate sections have been devoted to methodology in biodegradation studies, bound residues and removal of pesticides from soil and water. While pure culture studies have an important place in investigations into microbial metabolism of pesticides, increasing emphasis has been placed on the use of microbial consortia, either natural or artificial and microcosms to provide an understanding of pesticide biodegradation in natural environments. Another dimension in bound residue formation, one of physical entrapment in humic materials has been described. Various questions regarding the bioavailability of bound residues and whether they pose an environmental problem have not been answered fully. The microbiological removal of pesticides from soil and water by selected or genetically-engineered strains is discussed. It has been emphasized that the future success of such methods for the decontamination of soil and water depends very heavily on an improved knowledge of microbial ecology.