DDT is a pesticide that was once widely used to control insects. Both DDD and DDE are breakdown products of DDT. This profile includes: (1) The examination, summary, and interpretation of available toxicologic info. and epidemiologic evaluations on DDT/DDD/DDE to ascertain the levels of significant human exposure for the substance and the associated chronic health effects; (2) A determination of whether adequate info. on the health effects of DDT/DDD/DDE is available to determine levels of exposure that present a significant risk to human health of chronic health effects; and (3) Identification of toxicologic testing needed to identify the types or levels of exposure that may present significant risk of adverse health effects in humans. Illus.

This book focuses on the microbial degradation of endosulfan, lindane, chlorophenols, organochlorine, aldrin, dieldrin, isoproturon and atrazine, etc. which are commonly used in crop fields to kill the pests. Further, it illustrates the role of degradative enzymes, metabolic pathways of degradation, toxicity of metabolites, and the factors regulating the pesticide degradation. In view of persistence of synthetic pesticides, scientists have discovered suitable microbes, such as bacteria, fungi and algae (naturally occurring or genetically engineered) over the years. After successful trials under laboratory and field conditions, these microbes are being used to degrade chemical pesticides in agriculture. As of now 2.56 billion kg of chemical pesticides is used every year to protect agricultural fields against pest attack. These technologies have been found to be highly effective, eco-friendly and cost-effective without disturbing the agro-ecosystems. As this book contains review articles contributed by various researchers from different countries whose work demonstrates recent advances in microbial degradation of pesticides, it will serve as a ready reckoner and also a valuable quick reference guide for scientists, academicians, cultivators and industrialists alike.