Microbial Remediation of Dichloro-Diphenyl-
Trichloroethane (DDT)
Volume 2 - Issue 2
Girma Ebsa*, Tesfaye Alemu and Birhanu Gizaw
- Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Received:May 05, 2021; Published:May 25, 2021
*Corresponding author:Girma Ebsa, Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia
DOI: 10.32474/CTBM.2021.02.000134
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Abstract
The insecticide had been intensively applied for agricultural pest control since 1940. It was disqualified because it persists in the
environment, accumulates in fatty tissues, and can cause bad health effects on wildlife and human being. The organochlorine (DDT)
has been programmed under the Stockholm Convention to protect human health and the environment from Persistent Organic
Pollutants (POPs). Biodegradation is carried out by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) that naturally live in the environment.
Bacteria and fungi have very diverse metabolisms, and they use a wide variety of food and energy sources and perform many
important functions by decomposition. Complete biodegradation of DDT involves the oxidation of parent compound to form carbon
dioxide and water and provides both carbon and energy for the growth and reproduction of microbes. Each degradation step is
catalyzed by specific enzyme produced by a degrading cell or enzyme found external to the cell. Degradation of insecticide by
enzyme will stop at any step if an appropriate enzyme is not present. Effects of DDT on human health and the environment depend
on the dose of DDT and the timespan and frequency of exposure. It effects also depend on the health of a person and certain
environmental factors. DDE and DDT can pass to the fetus in pregnant women. Both chemicals are found in breast milk, resulting in
exposure to nursing infants. Microbes can be screened out from soil and wastewater as an effective tool for biodegradation of toxic
organic chemicals. Phanerochaete and related fungi that have the ability to attack wood possess a powerful extracellular enzyme
that, acts on a broad array of organic compounds.
Abstract|
Introduction|
Historical Application and Utilization Of DDT|
Pesticide Use and Impacts in Ethiopia|
DDT Impact on Environment|
DDT Impact on Human Health and Animal|
Role of Fungi in DDT Degradation|
Fungal Mechanisms of DDT Degradation|
Current DDT Detoxification Approach|
Conclusion|
Recommendations|
References|