Persistence and Biological Reactions of Pesticides in Soils
1965
Alexander, M.
Although microorganisms are often considered to be omnivorous and biochemically omnipotent, they seem unable to destroy at significant rates many synthetic chemicals that enter soil. This unexplained microbial fallibility recently has assumed prominence because of the long persistence of a variety of pesticides. With at least certain compounds, the chemical, physiological, or environmental basis of the biological failings can be established, as illustrated with substituted phenols and phenoxy herbicides. Microorganisms may detoxify pesticide-treated soil by metabolizing or degrading the added substance. The microflora may also be responsible for the generation of a toxic condition in soil by activation of the applied pest-control agent. The use of laboratory precedents as guides in investigations of natural transformations is considered, and instances of pesticide metabolism in soil are cited.
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