H. Attaway, N. Camper, M. Paynter
Feb 1, 1982
Citations
2
Influential Citations
51
Citations
Journal
Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology
Abstract
Anaerobic degradation of the herbicide diuron, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl-1,1)dimethylurea, was studied. Enrichment cultures were established with seven different media in the presence of diuron (40 mg/liter). Media included combinations of sediment extract, mineral salts, and various organic amendments. Cultures were inoculated with aliquots of sediment collected from a pond previously treated with diuron and were maintained under an atmosphere of 95% N2 and 5% CO2. All enrichment cultures completely degraded diuron in 17–25 days. In all cultures showing diuron degradation, the product identified as 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea appeared in approximately stoichiometric amounts. Reinjection of diuron into each culture after 26 days resulted in rapid degradation of the parent herbicide with the appearance of proportionately more 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea. No other product was detected after 80 days in culture and the metachloro derivative was not degraded further during this time.