Biomaterial Database

Metabolism of DDT [1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane] by Alcaligenes denitrificans ITRC-4 under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. 2003

Rajiv Ahuja, and Ashwani Kumar

Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, Post Box No. 80, M.G. Marg, Lucknow 226 001, India.

An isolated bacterium, Alcaligenes denitrificans ITRC-4, metabolizes 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The aerobic metabolism is inhibited by 38% and 47% in the presence of 1.0 g L(-1) of sodium acetate and sodium succinate, respectively, but remains uninhibited in the presence of 1.0 g L(-1) of glucose. Also, the metabolism is inhibited completely in the presence of biphenyl vapors, as well as 0.8 g L(-1) of 2,2'-bipyridyl. Under anaerobic conditions, DDT is metabolized into 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD), which is further enhanced by 50% in the presence of 1.0 g L(-1) of glucose. Besides, the bacterium also metabolizes 4-chlorobenzoate, which is accompanied by the release of chloride ions.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D002723	Chlorobenzoates	Benzoic acid or benzoic acid esters substituted with one or more chlorine atoms.	Chlorobenzoic Acids,Acids, Chlorobenzoic
D003634	DDT	A polychlorinated pesticide that is resistant to destruction by light and oxidation. Its unusual stability has resulted in difficulties in residue removal from water, soil, and foodstuffs. This substance may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen: Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP-85-002, 1985). (From Merck Index, 11th ed)	1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane,4,4'-DDT,4,4'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane,Benzochloryl,Chlorophenothane,TbisC-ethane,p',p'-DDT,4,4' DDT,4,4' Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane,TbisC ethane
D000332	Aerobiosis	Life or metabolic reactions occurring in an environment containing oxygen.	Aerobioses
D000421	Alcaligenes	A genus of gram-negative, aerobic, motile bacteria that occur in water and soil. Some are common inhabitants of the intestinal tract of vertebrates. These bacteria occasionally cause opportunistic infections in humans.
D000693	Anaerobiosis	The complete absence, or (loosely) the paucity, of gaseous or dissolved elemental oxygen in a given place or environment. (From Singleton & Sainsbury, Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, 2d ed)	Anaerobic Metabolism,Anaerobic Metabolisms,Anaerobioses,Metabolism, Anaerobic,Metabolisms, Anaerobic
D015394	Molecular Structure	The location of the atoms, groups or ions relative to one another in a molecule, as well as the number, type and location of covalent bonds.	Structure, Molecular,Molecular Structures,Structures, Molecular