Lindane removal by Streptomyces sp. M7 from Soil Extract Medium and Soil Samples Contaminated with this Pesticide

BENIMELI CLAUDIA S.; AMOROSO MARÍA J.

Pesticide Research Trends

Novapublishers

Lugar: Hauppauge, New York; Año: 2008; p. 347 - 364

The gamma isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), commercially known as lindane, is a highly chlorinated, recalcitrant pesticide. Its residues persist in the environment, undergo volatilization in tropical conditions, migrate to long distances with air current, deposit in colder regions, and cause widespread contamination; the γ-HCH-residues enter the food chain and impart toxicity. It has been used world-wide as a general, broad spectrum insecticide for agriculture and public health purposes (Phillips et al. 2005). Nowadays, their application has been largely phased out because of their toxicities, environmental persistence, and the accumulation in food chains (Quintero et al. 2005). The widespread use of this pesticide, however, has created a potential biohazard, as the compound accumulates in the soil and possibly groundwater. Indeed, lindane is a persistent pesticide, with a half-life reported to be from 4 to 6 weeks to 120 days (Bintein and Devillers 1996), or 260 days to 2 years (Johri et al. 1996), depending on the method of application and the environmental conditions.γ-HCH has been banned or restricted in Argentine and in many developed countries. However, it continues to pose a serious toxicological problem at industrial sites where past production of lindane along with unsound disposal practices has led to serious contamination. In addition, many countries still allow γ-HCH production and use and, despite localized limitations, γ-HCH contamination continues to be a global issue, as this compound has moderate volatility and can be transported by air to remote locations (Galiulin et al. 2002; Phillips et al. 2005). A number of publications depict the health effects of γ-HCH on animals and humans and the occurrence of residues in soil, water, air, plants, plant products, animals, and food ommodities (Miglioranza et al., 2002; Waliszewski et al., 2004; Franciskovic-Bilinski et al., 2005; Tao et al. 2005).Thus, it is of considerable interest to develop methods for the detoxification of lindane at sites of purposeful application and accumulation and/or accidental spillage.