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2,3,7,8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐P‐dioxin: Aspects of Its Important Properties and Its Potential Biodegradation in Soils
Author(s) -
Arthur Mickey F.,
Frea James I.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1989.00472425001800010001x
Subject(s) - biodegradation , environmental chemistry , tetrachlorodibenzo p dioxin , xenobiotic , soil water , carcinogen , chemistry , persistence (discontinuity) , microbial biodegradation , toxicology , pesticide , mutagen , limiting , microorganism , toxicity , biology , bacteria , ecology , organic chemistry , genetics , engineering , mechanical engineering , geotechnical engineering , enzyme
2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐ p ‐dioxin (TCDD) is a persistent xenobiotic compound that has become widely dispersed in the environment. In laboratory animals, TCDD is acutely and chronically toxic, and is a carcinogen, mutagen, and teratogen. In humans, epidemiological studies of residents from Times Beach, MO, and Seveso, Italy, have failed to document significant TCDD‐induced health effects. The environmental persistence of TCDD is due in part to its resistance to microbial attack. The factors responsible for microbial recalcitrance of pesticides are reviewed and related to the recalcitrance of TCDD. It is suggested that a major factor limiting TCDD degradation in the environment is its unavailability to the indigenous microflora. The possibility to decontaminate soils by mobilizing TCDD for attack by soil microorganisms is discussed.