Heptachlor degradation characteristics of a novel strain and its application

Exploring the role of microbes for the management of persistent organic pollutants

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemicals which have been persisting in the environment for many years due to their longer half-lives. POPs have gained attention over the last few decades due to the unsustainable management of chemicals which led to their widespread and massive contamination of biota from different strata and environments. Due to the widespread distribution, bio-accumulation and toxic behavior, POPs have become a risk for organisms and environment. Therefore, a focus is required to eliminate these chemicals from the environment or transform into non-toxic forms. Among the available techniques for the removal of POPs, most of them are inefficient or incur high operational costs. As an alternative to this, microbial bioremediation of POPs such as pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, pharmaceuticals and personal care products is much more efficient and cost-effective. Additionally, bacteria play a vital role in the biotransformation and solubilization of POPs, which reduces their toxicity. This review specifies the Stockholm Convention that evaluates the risk profile for the management of existing as well as emerging POPs. The sources, types and persistence of POPs along with the comparison of conventional elimination and bioremediation methods of POPs are discussed comprehensively. This study demonstrates the existing bioremediation techniques of POPs and summaries the potential of microbes which serve as enhanced, cost-effective, and eco-friendly approach for POPs elimination.

Synthesis of N-acyl glycine surfactant from palm oil as green repellent and toxicant to termite (Microcerotermes diversus)

This study described for the first time, the synthesis of a greener, safer, and more effective termiticide using a bio-based surfactant, N-acyl glycine derived from palm oil for the control of Microcerotermes diversus. Laboratory findings showed that the highest repellent activity was observed in N-acyl glycine surfactant (83.33%) at 50 ppm. In addition, N-acyl glycine surfactant also exhibited substantial time and concentration-dependent anti-termiticidal activity in which the highest termite mortality was observed after 3 days of exposure at 50 ppm of the surfactant (100%). Furthermore, 32.49 ppm concentration of N-acyl glycine surfactant (LC50 = 32.49 ppm) attained 50% of termite lethality. The current innovated termiticide with the use of N-acyl glycine surfactant offers a better efficacy, lower cost, and prevents the use of dangerous termiticides that are critical in creating a more sustainable environment, and controls Microcerotermes diversus at the same time.