Selection of support materials for immobilization of Burkholderia cepacia PCL3 in treatment of carbofuran-contaminated water

This study investigated the utilization of agricultural matrices as the support materials for cell immobilization to improve the technique of bioremediation. Coir, bulrush, banana stem and water hyacinth stem in both delignified and undelignified forms were used to immobilize Burkholderia cepacia PCL3 in bioremediation of carbofuran at 5 mg l(-1) in synthetic wastewater. Undelignified coir was found to be the most suitable support material for cell immobilization, giving the short half-life of carbofuran of 3.40 d (2.8 times shorter than the treatments with free cells). In addition, it could be reused three times without a loss in ability to degrade carbofuran. The growth and degradation ability of free cells were completely inhibited at the initial carbofuran concentrations of 250 mg l(-1), while there was no inhibitory effect of carbofuran on the immobilized cells. The results indicated a great potential for using the agricultural matrices as support material for cell immobilization to improve the overall efficiency of carbofuran bioremediation in contaminated water by B. cepacia PCL3.

Influence of different abiotic and biotic factors on the metalaxyl and carbofuran dissipation

Metalaxyl and carbofuran dissipation was studied in response to different factors (soil bacterial communities, light irradiation, presence of an inorganic culture medium and presence of soil) and combinations of these factors in short-term experiments (48 h). The soil microbial communities have no effect on metalaxyl or carbofuran dissipation in the time scale employed. Light irradiation and soil promote metalaxyl and carbofuran dissipation by photodegradation and adsorption, respectively. However, photodegradation has a stronger effect on metalaxyl and carbofuran dissipation than the adsorption of the pesticides in the soil. The addition of the culture medium have no direct effect on pesticide dissipation, degradation by microbial communities or adsorption but its presence greatly increased photodegradation.

Carbofuran and its toxic metabolites provide forensic evidence for furadan exposure in vultures (Gyps africanus) in Kenya

Forensic analysis of carbofuran residues in weathered tissue samples for evidence of Furadan exposure in vultures (Gps africanus) by HPLC gave concentration (mg/Kg dry tissue weight) ranges of bdl - 0.07 (carbofuran), bdl - 0.499 (3-ketocarbofuran) and 0.013-0.147 (3-hydroxycarbofuran) in beaks, bdl-0.65 (carbofuran), 0.024-0.190 (3-ketocarbofuran) and 0.017-0.098 (3-hydroxycarbofuran) in feet, 0.179-0.219 (3-ketocarbofuran) and 0.081-0.093 (3-hydroxycarbofuran) in crop content, 0.078-0.082 (3-ketocarbofuran) and 0.091-0.101 (3-hydroxycarbofuran) in muscle of a laced carcass and 0.006-0.014 (carbofuran), 0.590-1.010 (3-ketocarbofuran) and 0.095-0.135 (3-hydroxycarbofuran) in soil sampled from a poisoning site. These compounds were confirmed by GC-MS. The results showed that HPLC combined with GC-MS is suitable for forensic analysis of carbofuran residues in bird tissue samples and that forensic investigation should include its two toxic metabolites, 3-hydroxycarbofuran and 3-ketocarbofuran.

Reduced plant uptake of pesticides with biochar additions to soil

We investigated the effectiveness of two types of biochars in reducing the bioavailability of two soil-applied insecticides (chlorpyrifos and carbofuran) to Spring onion (Allium cepa). The biochars prepared from the pyrolysis of Eucalyptus spp. wood chips at 450 and 850 degrees C (BC850) were thoroughly mixed into the soil to achieve 0%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% by soil weight. A spring onion crop was grown for 5 wk in the biochar-amended soils spiked with 50 mgkg(-1) of each pesticide. The loss of both pesticides due to degradation and or sequestration in soils decreased significantly with increasing amounts of biochars in soil. Over 35 d, 86-88% of the pesticides were lost from the control soil, whereas it was only 51% of carbofuran and 44% of chlorpyrifos from the soil amended with 1.0% BC850. Despite greater persistence of the pesticide residues in biochar-amended soils, the plant uptake of pesticides decreased markedly with increasing biochar content of the soil. With 1% of BC850 soil amendment, the total plant residues for chlorpyrifos and carbofuran decreased to 10% and 25% of that in the control treatment, respectively. The BC850 was particularly effective in reducing phytoavailability of both pesticides from soil, due to its high affinity for and ability to sequester pesticide residues.

Biodegradation of mixed pesticides by mixed pesticide enriched cultures

This paper discusses the degradation kinetics of mixed (lindane, methyl parathion and carbofuran) pesticides by mixed pesticide enriched cultures (MEC) under various environmental conditions. The bacterial strains isolated from the mixed microbial consortium were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 9236), Bacillus sp. (MTCC 9235) and Chryseobacterium joostei (MTCC 9237). Batch studies were conducted to estimate the biokinetic parameters like the maximum specific growth rate (mu(max)), Yield Coefficient (Y(T)), half saturation concentration (K(s)) and inhibition concentration (Ki) for individual and mixed pesticide enriched cultures. The cultures enriched in a particular pollutant always showed high growth rate and low inhibition in that particular pollutant compared to MEC. After seven weeks of incubation, mixed pesticide enriched cultures were able to degrade 72% lindane, 95% carbofuran and 100% of methyl parathion in facultative co-metabolic conditions. In aerobic systems, degradation efficiencies of lindane methyl parathion and carbofuran were increased by the addition of 2g L(- 1) of dextrose. Though many metabolic compounds of mixed pesticides were observed at different time intervals, none of the metabolites were persistent. Based on the observed metabolites, a degradation pathway was postulated for different pesticides under various environmental conditions.

Aldicarb and carbofuran transport in a Hapludalf influenced by differential antecedent soil water content and irrigation delay

Pesticide use in agroecosystems can adversely impact groundwater quality via chemical leaching through soils. Few studies have investigated the effects of antecedent soil water content (SWC) and timing of initial irrigation (TII) after chemical application on pesticide transport and degradation. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of antecedent soil water content (wet vs dry) and timing of initial irrigation (0h Delay vs 24h Delay) on aldicarb [(EZ)-2-methyl-2-(methylthio)propionaldehyde O-methylcarbamoyloxime] and carbofuran [2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethylbenzofuran-7-yl methylcarbamate] transport and degradation parameters at a field site with Menfro silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Hapludalf) soils. Aldicarb and carbofuran were applied to plots near field capacity (wet) or near permanent wilting point (dry). Half of the dry and wet plots received irrigation water immediately after chemical application and the remaining plots were irrigated after a 24h Delay. The transport and degradation parameters were estimated using the method of moments. Statistical significance determined for SWC included averages across TII levels, and significance determined for TII included averages across SWC levels. For the dry treatment, aldicarb was detected 0.10 m deeper (P<0.01) on two of the four sampling dates and carbofuran was detected at least 0.10 m deeper (P<0.05) on all of the sampling dates compared to the wet treatment. Pore water velocity was found to be higher (P<0.10) in the dry vs wet treatments on three of four dates for aldicarb and two of four dates for carbofuran. Retardation coefficients for both pesticides showed similar evidence of reduced values for the dry vs wet treatments. These results indicate deeper pesticide movement in the initially dry treatment. For aldicarb and carbofuran, estimated values of the degradation rate were approximately 40-49% lower in the initially dry plots compared to the initially wet plots, respectively. When the initial irrigation was delayed for 24h, irrespective of antecedent moisture conditions, a 30% reduction in aldicarb degradation occurred. This study illustrates the deeper transport of pesticides and their increased persistence when applied to initially dry soils.

Hepatic monooxygenase (CYP1A and CYP3A) and UDPGT enzymatic activities as biomarkers for long-term carbofuran exposure in tench (Tinca tinca L)

The effect of a long-term exposure of tenchs to different concentrations (10 and 100 micro g/L) of the pesticide carbofuran has been evaluated. Microsomal hepatic cytochrome P450 subfamily 1A (CYP1A) and 3A (CYP3A) activities, as well as the phase II enzyme uridine diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UDPGT) activity were evaluated as adequate biomarkers of fish exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of the pesticide carbofuran in freshwater ecosystems. A clear time-dependent inhibition of both CYP1A and UDPGT activities was observed in fish exposed to the highest dose of carbofuran with respect to controls, whereas in the case of CYP3A activity, values of exposed animals did not show a clear pattern of alteration during the experiment. The results of the present study demonstrated that hepatic CYP1A and UDPGT activities from tench could be considered as sensitive biomarkers for carbamate pesticides in polluted water, thus allowing future and ecologically relevant biomonitoring studies with this species.

Biodegradation of lindane, methyl parathion and carbofuran by various enriched bacterial isolates

In the present study, lindane (1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane), methyl parathion (O-dimethylO-(4-nitro-phenyl) phosphorothioate) and carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate) degradation potential of different enriched bacterial cultures were evaluated under various environmental conditions. Enriched cultures behaved differently with different pesticides. Degradation was more in a facultative anaerobic condition as compared to that in aerobic condition. A specific pesticide enriched culture showed maximum degradation of that pesticide irrespective of pesticides and environmental conditions. Lindane and endosulfan enriched cultures behaved almost similarly. Degradation of lindane by lindane enriched cultures was 75 +/- 3% in aerobic co-metabolic process whereas 78 +/- 5% of lindane degradation occurred in anaerobic co-metabolic process. Degradation of methyl parathion by methyl parathion enriched culture was 87 +/- 1% in facultative anaerobic condition. In almost all the cases, many intermediate metabolites were observed. However, many of these metabolites disappeared after 4-6 weeks of incubation. Mixed pesticide-enriched culture degraded all the three pesticides more effectively as compared to specific pesticide- enriched cultures. It can be inferred from the results that a bacterial consortium enriched with a mixture of all the possible pesticides that are present in the site seems to be a better option for the effective bioremediation of multi-pesticide contaminated site.

Isolation and characterization of a carbofuran-degrading strainNovosphingobiumsp. FND-3

A gram-negative Novosphingobium sp. strain FND-3 capable of degrading carbofuran was isolated and characterized. The carbofuran-degrading ability of strain FND-3 was investigated under various culture conditions. Strain FND-3 showed a high average carbofuran-degrading rate of 28.6 mg L(-1) h(-1) in mineral salts medium with 100 mg L(-1) carbofuran. GC/MS analysis pointed out the presence of several unknown metabolites. One hydrolyzate was identified as 2-hydroxy-3-(3-methypropan-2-ol) phenol via hydrolysis of carbofuran phenol. The appearance of another metabolite with M(+) of 180 m/z indicated that the hydroxylation of carbofuran occurred at the aromatic ring. One novel degrading product with M(+) of 239 m/z was identified as 2-hydroxy-3-(3-methylpropan-2-ol) benzene-N-methylcarbamate via hydrolyzing at the ether bond of furanyl ring of carbofuran. Strain FND-3 was also able to degrade other N-methylcarbamate pesticides.

Fungal biodegradation of carbofuran and carbofuran phenol by the fungus Mucor ramannianus: identification of metabolites

The fungus Mucor ramannianus was tested to elucidate the biological fate of a class of N-methyl carbamate pesticide carbofuran and its hydrolysed form carbofuran phenol. The elution profile obtained from analysis by high-pressure liquid chromatography equipped with a reverse-phase C-18 column showed that two peaks occurred after incubation of M. ramannianus with which 1 mM carbofuran was combined as a final concentration. In culture of M. ramannianus with 1 mM carbofuran phenol, it produced two other metabolites compared to metabolites of carbofuran. LC/MS analysis suggested that two of the metabolites produced from carbofuran phenol were most likely to be 2-hydoxy-3-(3-methylpropan-2-ol)phenol or 7a-(hydroxymethyl)-2,2-dimethylhexahydro-6H-furo[2,3-b]pyran-6-one and 3-hydroxycarbofuran-7-phenol.

Simultaneous biodegradation of methyl parathion and carbofuran by a genetically engineered microorganism constructed by mini-Tn5 transposon

A genetically engineered microorganism (GEM) capable of simultaneous degrading methyl parathion (MP) and carbofuran was successfully constructed by random insertion of a methyl parathion hydrolase gene (mpd) into the chromosome of a carbofuran degrading Sphingomonas sp. CDS-1 with the mini-transposon system. The GEM constructed was relatively stable and cell viability and original degrading characteristic was not affected compared with the original recipient CDS-1. The effects of temperature, initial pH value, inoculum size and alternative carbon source on the biodegradation of MP and carbofuran were investigated. GEM cells could degrade MP and carbofuran efficiently in a relatively broad range of temperatures from 20 to 30 degrees C, initial pH values from 6.0 to 9.0, and with all initial inoculation cell densities (10(5)-10(7) CFU ml(-1)), even if alternative glucose existed. The optimal temperature and initial pH value for GEM cells to simultaneously degrade MP and carbofuran was at 30 degrees C and at pH 7.0. The removal of MP and carbofuran by GEM cells in sterile and non-sterile soil were also studied. In both soil samples, 50 mg kg(-1) MP and 25 mg kg(-1) carbofuran could be degraded to an undetectable level within 25 days even if there were indigenous microbial competition and carbon sources effect. In sterile soil, the biodegradation rates of MP and carbofuran were faster, and the decline of the inoculated GEM cells was slower compared with that in non-sterile soil. The GEM constructed in this study was potential useful for pesticides bioremediation in natural environment.

Pesticide detoxifying functions of N-halamine fabrics

Halamine structures incorporated on polyester/cotton fabrics were able to detoxify oxime carbamate pesticides that contain thio bonds rapidly upon contact. The reaction was endothermic, and the detoxification rate was in first order to concentrations of the pesticides. Aldicarb was degraded in a much faster rate than that of methomyl by the halamine fabrics. The reactivity of halamine structures was different, and imide halamine was more reactive than amine halamine. The detoxification was an oxidative reaction on the sulfur atom existing in both aldicarb and methomyl. The same halamine structures were unable to effectively react with carbaryl and carbofuran, which are aromatic carbamates and do not contain any thio bonds.

[Analysis of the degrading products of carbofuran by Sphingomonas sp. with GC/MS and GC/FTIR]

In different degrading phases, the degrading products of carbofuran by CDS-1(Sphingomonas sp. ) were extracted by acetone. According to the analysis of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), carbofuran-7-phenol was identified as the initial degrading product, and an unknown metabolite with molecular weight of 182 was determined as 2-hydroxyl-3-tertiarybutylalcohol-phenol, which was the next degrading product of carbofuran-7-phenol. According to the analysis of GC/MS and gas chromatography/Fourier transform infrared spectrum (GC/FTIR), the main component of the compounds that appeared in the final phase of degradation which could produce volatile pungent odor, was identified as carvone.

[Construction of double-labelled carbofuran-degrading bacterium Sphingomonas sp. CDS-1]

The genomic DNA of a carbofuran-degrading bacterium Sphingomonas sp. CDS-1 was digested by Sau3Al and ligated to pRobe-GFP digested by BamHI, and the product was transformed to the E. coli DH5alpha competent cells. Fifty positive clones that could emit green fluorescence under UV were selected from about 1 x 10(4) clones grown on selective plates AmpLB. One clone F7 with the strongest fluorescence was selected, the recombinant plasmid pF7 from this clone was digested with EcoR I & Hind III and the DNA fragment comprising gfp and promoter of Sphingomonas sp. CDS-1 was recovered, which was subsequently cloned into the broad host vector pPZP201 to construct a new plasmid pPZP201-gfp. pPZP201-gfp was introduced into Sphingomonas sp. strain CDS-1 by triparental conjugation to make strain CDS-gfp. gfp was expressed strongly and stably in strain CDS-gfp after 10 times successive re-culturing (48 h/time). The linA gene was inserted into Not I -cut transposon vector pUT/mini-Tn5 to construct a new transposon vector pUT/mini-Tn5-linA. With the aid of helper plasmid pRK600, pUT/mini-Tn5-linA was introduced into CDS-gfp, the dehydrochlorinase gene linA was integrated into the chromosome of CDS-gfp by transposing. The double labelled strain CDS-GFP-LinA was constructed. This strain was also a genetic engineering strain that was able to degrade gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane and carbofuran simultaneously. All of these results laid a foundation for the study of ecological performance of Sphingomonas sp. CDS-1.

Determination of carbofuran, carbaryl and their main metabolites in plasma samples of agricultural populations using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (GC-MS/MS) method has been developed for the determination of carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethylbenzofuran-7-yl methylcarbamate), carbaryl (1-naphthyl-N-methylcarbamate) and their main metabolites in human blood plasma. Optimization of the isolation of the compounds from plasma matrix included the precipitation, denaturation and digestion of plasma proteins. Derivatization was achieved by the use of trifluoroacetic acid anhydride and was optimized for temperature, time and volume of derivatization agent. In the proposed method, a mild precipitation technique was applied using beta-mercaptoethanol and ascorbic acid in combination with solid-phase extraction technique using Oasis HLB (Hydrophobic Lipophilic Balance) cartridges for further clean up of samples. Carbamate linkage was not hydrolyzed to its phenol product, but both carbamate phenol and ketones were transformed into trifluoroacetyl derivatives in order to become volatile compounds and were determined using tandem mass spectrometry. The linearity of the method was shown for nine concentrations in the range of 0.50-250 ng mL(-1) in fortified plasma aliquots. Limits of detection (LODs) for all compounds ranged from 0.015-0.151 ng mL(-1). Inter-day and intra-day assays (RSD) for all compounds, at three concentration levels of 2.5, 25 and 100 ng mL(-1) (n=3) in fortified plasma samples were less than 18%. Accuracy (%E (r)) was calculated at three concentration levels, 8, 80 and 160 ng mL(-1) (n=3), and ranged from -12.0 to 15.0%. Matrix effect was evaluated so mean recoveries were calculated for all compounds and ranged from 81-107%. Specificity for the use of this method to biological monitoring studies was achieved including four main metabolites of CF, 1-naphthol and 2-naphthol from the naphthalene metabolism pathways, and both the parent compound of carbofuran and carbaryl. The proposed method was applied to plasma samples of pesticide users.

Transformation and ecotoxicity of carbamic pesticides in water

BACKGROUND

N-methylcarbamate insecticides are widely used chemicals for crop protection. This study examines the hydrolytic and photolytic cleavage of benfuracarb, carbosulfan and carbofuran under natural conditions. Their toxicity and that of the corresponding main degradation products toward aquatic organisms were evaluated.

METHODS

Suspensions of benfuracarb, carbosulfan and carbofuran in water were exposed to sunlight, with one set of dark controls, for 6 days, and analyzed by 1H-NMR and HPLC. Acute toxicity tests were performed on Brachionus calyciflorus, Daphnia magna, and Thamnocefalus platyurus. Chronic tests were performed on Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, and Ceriodaphnia dubia.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Under sunlight irradiation, benfuracarb and carbosulfan gave off carbofuran and carbofuran-phenol, while only carbofuran was detected in the dark experiments. The latter was degraded to phenol by exposure to sunlight. Effects of pH, humic acid and KNO3 were evaluated by kinetics on dilute solutions in the dark and by UV irradiation, which evidenced the lability of the pesticide at pH 9. All three pesticides and phenol exhibited acute and higher chronic toxicity towards the aquatic organisms tested.

CONCLUSION

Investigation on the hydrolysis and photolysis of benfuracarb and carbosulfan under natural conditions provides evidence concerning the selective decay to carbofuran and/or phenol. Carbofuran is found to be more persistent and toxic.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND OUTLOOK

The decay of benfuracarb and carbosulfan to carbofuran and the relative stability of this latter pesticide account for many papers that report the detection of carbofuran in water, fruits and vegetables.

Gas chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric method for the quantitation of carbofuran, carbaryl and their main metabolites in applicators’ urine

A new gas chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric method has been developed and validated for the determination of two N-methylcarbamates, carbofuran and carbaryl and their metabolites in applicators' urine specimens. Mild conditions were used for sample preparation based on enzymic hydrolysis and solid-phase extraction using Oasis HLB sorbent cartridges. Amides, phenols and ketones were first converted to volatile derivatives of trifluoroacetic acid anhydride (TFAA) and afterwards were quantitated using tandem mass spectrometry. Linear calibration equations (1-200 ng mL(-1) urine) were obtained from fortified urine samples for all eight compounds, carbaryl, 1-naphthol, 2-naphthol, and carbofuran, 3-hydroxycarbofuran, 7-phenol, carbofuran-3-keto, 3- hydroxycarbofuranphenol. For all compounds, the limit of detection was lower than 0.1 ng mL(-1). Precision for all compounds, at the concentrations of 1, 10 and 100 ng mL(-1) (n = 5) in-fortified urine samples ranged from 0.7% to 18%. Accuracy was calculated at two concentrations 8 and 80 ng mL(-1) (n = 5) and ranged from -8.4% to 8.2%. Relative recoveries at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100 ng mL(-1), ranged from 71% to 116%. The method was successfully applied to five male applicators and 10 non-applicators (including both smokers and non-smokers).

Comparison of four mass analyzers for determining carbosulfan and its metabolites in citrus by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

Four liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) systems, equipped with single quadrupole, triple quadrupole (QqQ), quadrupole ion trap (QIT) and quadrupole time-of-flight (QqTOF) mass analyzers, were evaluated for the analysis of carbosulfan and its main transformation products. The comparison of quantitative aspects (sensitivity, precision and accuracy) was emphasized. Results showed that the triple quadrupole instrument reaches at least 20-fold higher sensitivity (LOD from 0.04 to 0.4 microg kg(-1)) compared to the single quadrupole (4-70 microg kg(-1)), the QIT (4-25 microg kg(-1)) and the QqTOF (4-23 microg kg(-1)) instruments. Recoveries were over 70% for all the analytes, except dibutylamine and 7-phenolcarbofuran. Repeatabilities (within-day) were slightly better by the single quadrupole (5-10%) and the QqQ (5-9%) than by the QIT (12-16%) and the QqTOF (9-16%). Both the QqTOF and QIT offer a linear dynamic range of two orders of magnitude whereas the single quadrupole and QqQ of, at least, three orders of magnitude. The method was applied to analyze carbosulfan field-treated orange samples, in which carbosulfan, carbofuran, 3-hydroxycarbofuran, and dibutylamine were found. As an example, the mean carbosulfan concentration was 20 +/- 0.6 microg kg(-1) measured by the QqQ, 22 +/- 1.2 microg kg(-1) by the single quadrupole, 25 +/- 2.8 microg kg(-1) by the QIT, and 20 +/- 1.8 microg kg(-1) by the QqTOF. Although the QqQ is more sensitive and precise, the mean values obtained by the four instruments are acceptable and comparable. The potential of each technique for the verification of the identity of residues detected in oranges is discussed using the concept of identification points.

[Construction of multifunctional genetically engineered pesticides-degrading bacteria by homologous recombination]

Construction of multifunctional pesticides-degrading genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) is increasing important in the bioremediation of various pesticides contaminants in environment. However, construction of genetically stable GEMs without any exogenous antibiotic resistance is thought to be one of the bottlenecks in GEMs construction. In this article, homologous recombination vectors with the recipient's 16S rDNA as homologous recombination directing sequence (HRDS) and sacB gene as double crossover recombinants positive selective marker were firstly constructed. The methyl parathion hydroalse gene (mpd) was inserted into the 16S rDNA site of the carbofuran degrading strain Sphingomonas sp. CDS-1 by homologous recombination single crossover in the level of about 3.7 x 10-(7) - 6.8 x 10(-7). Multifunctional pesticides-degrading GEMs with one or two mpd genes inserted into the chromosome without any antibiotic marker were successfully constructed. The homologous recombination events were confirmed by PCR and southern blot methods. The obtained GEMs were genetically stable and could degrade methyl parathion and carbofuran simultaneously. The insertion of mpd gene into rrn site did not have any significant effect on recipient' s physiological and original degrading characteristics. The methyl parathion hydrolase (MPH) was expressed at a relatively high level in the recombinants and the recombinant MPH specific activity in cell lysate was higher than that of original bacterium (DLL-1) in every growth phase tested. The highest recombinant MPH specific activity was 6.22 mu/tg. In this article, we describe a first attempt to use rRNA-encoding regions of Sphingomonas strains as target site for expression of exogenous MPH, and constructed multifunctional pesticides degrading GEMs, which are genetically stable and promising for developing bioremediation strategies for the decontamination of pesticides polluted soils.

DNA damaging effects of carbofuran and its main metabolites on mice by micronucleus test and single cell gel electrophoresis

The DNA damaging effects of the carbamate pesticide carbofuran and its four metabolites (carbofuranphenol, 3-ketocarbofuran, 3-hydrocarbofuran and nitrosocarbofuran) on mice were evaluated by single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay and micronucleus test. KM mice were exposed to test compounds with different doses of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg through intraperitoneal injection two times with an internal of 24 h, and then killed by cervical dislocation 6 h after the second injection. In SCGE assay, isolated mice peripheral blood lymphocytes were employed to determine DNA damaging degree after a 1 h treatment by test compounds and a following electrophoresis. Carbofuran and carbofuranphenol showed negative results in both test and had no obvious toxicity. 3-Hydrocarbofuran and nitrosocarbofuran were positive. 3-Ketocarbofuran could not induce micronucleus formation but caused significant DNA migration in SCGE test. These tests revealed that 3-ketocarbofuran, 3-hydrocarbofuran and nitrosocarbofuran are potential mutagesis and further research is needed.

Kinetics of carbosulfan hydrolysis to carbofuran and the subsequent degradation of this last compound in irrigated rice fields

The objectives of this work were estimate the reaction rates of hydrolysis of carbosulfan to carbofuran and subsequent degradation of this last compound in irrigated rice fields, and the respective half life, in aquatic environment and soil solution, by mean of numerical solution of differential ordinary linear equations system that describes the kinetics of insecticide concentrations. The results indicated that the carbosulfan and carbofuran have low persistence in water and medium persistence in soil solution of tropical irrigated rice fields. However, both compounds can be found in laminar water and soil solution in concentration above environmental and human safety limits.

A comparative study on the dissipation and microbial metabolism of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in orchaqualf and fluvaquent soils of West Bengal

An experiment has been conducted under laboratory conditions to investigate the effect of phorate (an organophosphate insecticide) and carbofuran (a carbamate insecticide) at their recommended field rates (1.5 and 1.0 kga.i.ha-1, respectively) on the growth and multiplication of microorganisms as well as rate of dissipation and persistence of the insecticidal residues including their metabolites in laterite (typic orchaqualf) and alluvial (typic fluvaquent) soils of West Bengal. Application of phorate and carbofuran in general, induced growth and development of bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, N2-fixing bacteria and phosphate solubilizing microorganisms in both the soils and the stimulation was more pronounced with phorate as compared to carbofuran. Application of phorate recorded highest stimulation of fungi in laterite and actinomycetes in alluvial soil. Carbofuran on the other hand, augmented fungi and N2-fixing bacteria in laterite and actinomycetes in alluvial soil. Bacterial population was inhibited due to the application of carbofuran in alluvial soil. Phorate sulfoxide and phorate sulfone, the two metabolites of phorate and 3-hydroxycarbofuran and 3-ketocarbofuran, the two metabolites of carbofuran isolated were less persistent in both the soils. Phorate persisted in laterite and alluvial soils up to 45 and 60 days, respectively depicting the half-life (T1/2) 9.7 and 11.5 days, respectively while the T1/2 of carbofuran for the said soils were 16.9 and 8.8 days, respectively. No metabolite of carbofuran was detected in soils after 30 days of incubation while phorate sulfone persisted in alluvial soil even after 60 days of application of the insecticide.

Black-bellied whistling duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) brain cholinesterase characterization and diagnosis of anticholinesterase pesticide exposure in wild populations from Mexico

Rice is the main crop in the subbasin of the fluvial lagoon system of Palizada River (FLSPR) in the state of Campeche, Mexico. The pesticides used to control pests of this crop mainly are carbofuran, chlorpyrifos, and glyphosate. Black-bellied whistling duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) is an ecologically and economically important species in the area. This duck is consumed by local inhabitants throughout the year, despite its potential exposure to pesticides. Due to its feeding habits, abundance, and nutritional value, D. autumnalis is a good indicator of environmental contamination and a potential route of human exposure to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. In this study, the brain cholinesterase (ChE) in the frontal cerebral cortex of autochthonous ducks was characterized. In addition, the potential of the three locally used pesticides and mixtures to inhibit ChE activity was investigated and the exposure of the wild duck population during intensive pesticide applications in rice fields was evaluated. We found that acetylcholinesterase (AChE) seems to be the predominant ChE form in the biological fraction analyzed. Carbofuran was the most potent ChE inhibitor of D. autumnalis brain ChE activity from the three pesticides analyzed. Cholinesterase inhibition after exposure to pesticide mixtures predominantly was due to carbofuran. A decrease (p < 0.05) in AChE activity (>30%) was apparent in wild ducks compared to reference ducks, with recovery of ChE inhibition in wild ducks occurring months later when no pesticides were applied in the field. Dendrocygna autumnalis brain ChE is a suitable parameter for inclusion in biomonitoring programs for both environmental protection and human safety.

In vitro metabolism of carbofuran by human, mouse, and rat cytochrome P450 and interactions with chlorpyrifos, testosterone, and estradiol

Carbofuran is a carbamate pesticide used in agricultural practice throughout the world. Its effect as a pesticide is due to its ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity. Though carbofuran has a long history of use, there is little information available with respect to its metabolic fate and disposition in mammals. The present study was designed to investigate the comparative in vitro metabolism of carbofuran from human, rat, and mouse liver microsomes (HLM, RLM, MLM, respectively), and characterize the specific enzymes involved in such metabolism, with particular reference to human metabolism. Carbofuran is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) leading to the production of one major ring oxidation metabolite, 3-hydroxycarbofuran, and two minor metabolites. The affinity of carbofuran for CYP enzymes involved in the oxidation to 3-hydroxycarbofuran is significantly less in HLM (Km=1.950 mM) than in RLM (Km=0.210 mM), or MLM (Km=0.550 mM). Intrinsic clearance rate calculations indicate that HLM are 14-fold less efficient in the metabolism of carbofuran to 3-hydroxycarbofuran than RLM or MLM. A screen of 15 major human CYP isoforms for metabolic ability with respect to carbofuran metabolism demonstrated that CYP3A4 is the major isoform responsible for carbofuran oxidation in humans. CYP1A2 and 2C19 are much less active while other human CYP isoforms have minimal or no activity toward carbofuran. In contrast with the human isoforms, members of the CYP2C family in rats are likely to have a primary role in carbofuran metabolism. Normalization of HLM data with the average levels of each CYP in native HLM, indicates that carbofuran metabolism is primarily mediated by CYP3A4 (percent total normalized rate (% TNR)=77.5), although CYP1A2 and 2C19 play ancillary roles (% TNR=9.0 and 6.0, respectively). This is substantiated by the fact that ketoconazole, a specific inhibitor of CYP3A4, is an excellent inhibitor of 3-hydroxycarbofuran formation in HLM (IC50: 0.31 microM). Chlorpyrifos, an irreversible non-competitive inhibitor of CYP3A4, inhibits the formation of 3-hydroxycarbofuran in HLM (IC50: 39 microM). The use of phenotyped HLM demonstrated that individuals with high levels of CYP3A4 have the greatest potential to metabolize carbofuran to its major metabolite. The variation in carbofuran metabolism among 17 single-donor HLM samples is over 5-fold and the best correlation between CYP isoform activity and carbofuran metabolism was observed with CYP3A4 (r2=0.96). The interaction of carbofuran and the endogenous CYP3A4 substrates, testosterone and estradiol, were also investigated. Testosterone metabolism was activated by carbofuran in HLM and CYP3A4, however, less activation was observed for carbofuran metabolism by testosterone in HLM and CYP3A4. No interactions between carbofuran and estradiol metabolism were observed.