Aerobic degradation of diuron by aquatic microorganisms

Abstract

Degradation of diuron [3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐l,1‐dimethyl‐urea] by microorganisms obtained from pond water and sediment was determined under aerobic conditions. Enrichment procedures were used to isolate cultures capable of degrading the herbicide. Several mixed fungal/bacterial and mixed bacterial cultures were isolated that could degrade diuron. The mixed cultures degraded 67–99% of the added diuron forming from six to seven products which were separated via TLC. The major degradation product detected in most culture extracts was 3,4‐dichloroaniline. Other identified products formed were 3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1‐methylurea and 3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)urea.