Aerobic degradation of diuron by aquatic microorganisms

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Abstract
Degradation of diuron [3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea] 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 6-7 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.