Abstract
Three lindane (γ-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane) treated soils were studied under laboratory conditions to determine the interaction between lindane and the soil microorganisms. Microbial populations and respiration were monitored to study insecticide effects. Formation of lindane degradation products and chloride content were examined to determine effects of the microorganisms. Some populations in lindane treated soils showed temporary declines but all ultimately recovered to at least the level of the controls in 16 weeks. Respiration was stimulated over a 9-week period especially in the sandy and clay loams, suggesting the possibility of microbial degradation of the insecticide. Lindane degradation products separated and identified by TLC included γ-2,3,4,5,6-pentachloro-1-cyclohexene (γ-PCCH), α-3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1-cyclohexene (α-TCCH), γ-3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1-cyclohexene (γ-TCCH), and pentachlorobenzene (PCB). Chloride production increased in soils treated with higher levels of lindane.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Alexander, M.: Biodegradation: problems of molecular recalcitrance and microbial fallibility. Advanc. appl. Microbiol. 7, 35–80 (1965)
Benezet, H., Matsumura, F.: Isomerization of γ-BHC to α-BHC in the environment. Nature (Lond.) 243, 480–481 (1973)
Bergmann, J. G., Sanik J., Jr.: Determination of trace amounts of chlorine in naphtha. Analyt. Chem. 29, 241–243 (1957)
Edwards, C. A.: Insecticides. In: Organic chemical in the soil environment, C. A. I. Goring, J. W. Hamaker, eds., Vol. 2, pp. 513–568: New York: Dekker 1972
Engst, R., Macholz, R. M., Kujawa, M.: Metabolismus des Lindan. Abbau von Lindan durch Schimmelpilzkulturen. Nahrung 18, 737–745 (1974)
Karapally, J. C., Saha, J. G., Lee, Y. W.: Metabolism of lindane-14C in the rabbit: ether-soluble urinary metabolites. J. Agr. Food Chem. 21, 811–818 (1973)
Kovacs, M. F.: Thin layer chromatography for pesticide residue analysis. Ass. Offic. Agr. Chem. 48, 1018–1022 (1965)
Lichtenstein, E. P., Schulz, K. R., Skrentny, R. F., Tsukano, Y.: Toxicity and fate of insecticide residues in water. Arch. environ. Hlth 12, 199–212 (1966)
Martin, J. P.: Use of acid rose bengal and streptomycin in the plate method for estimating soil fungi. Soil Sci. 69, 215–232 (1950)
Newland, L. W., Chesters, G., Lee, G. B.: Degradation of γ-BHC in simulated lake impoundments as affected by aeration. J. Water Pollution Control Fed. 41, R174-R188 (1969)
Reed, W. T., Forgash, A. J.: Metabolism of lindane to organic-soluble products by houseflies. J. Agr. Food Chem. 18, 475–481 (1970)
Sethunathan, N.: Microbial degradation of insecticides in flooded soil and in anaerobic cultures. Residue Rev. 47, 143–167 (1973)
Tsukano, Y., Kobayashi, A.: Formation of γ-BTC in flooded rice field soils treated with γ-BHC. Agr. Biol. Chem. 36, 166–167 (1972)
Tu, C. M.: Effect of four organophosphorus insecticides on microbial activities in soil. Appl. Microbiol. 19, 479–484 (1970)
Tu, C. M.: The temperature-dependent effect of residual nematicides on the activities of soil microorganisms. Canad. J. Microbiol. 19, 855–859 (1973)
Waksman, S. A., Fred, E. B.: A tentative outline of the plate method for determining the number of microorganisms in the soil. Soil Sci. 14, 27–28 (1922)
Yoshida, T., Castro, T. F.: Degradation of gamma-BHC in rice soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 34, 440–442 (1970)
Yule, W. N., Chiba, M., Morley, H. B.: Fate of insecticide residues. Decomposition of lindane in the soil. J. Agr. Food Chem. 15, 1000–1004 (1967)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Contribution No. 609, Research Institute, Agriculture Canada, University Sub Post Office, London, Ontario N6A 5B7.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tu, C.M. Interaction between lindane and microbes in soils. Arch. Microbiol. 105, 131–134 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00447127
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00447127