Review and evaluation of the effects of xenobiotic chemicals on microorganisms in soil. [139 references]

Technical Report · Mon Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5406358· OSTI ID:5406358

Hicks, R J; Van Voris, P

The primary objective was to review and evaluate the relevance and quality of existing xenobiotic data bases and test methods for evaluating direct and indirect effects (both adverse and beneficial) of xenobiotics on the soil microbial community; direct and indirect effects of the soil microbial community on xenobiotics; and adequacy of test methods used to evaluate these effects and interactions. Xenobiotic chemicals are defined here as those compounds, both organic and inorganic, produced by man and introduced into the environment at concentrations that cause undesirable effects. Because soil serves as the main repository for many of these chemicals, it therefore has a major role in determining their ultimate fate. Once released, the distribution of xenobiotics between environmental compartments depends on the chemodynamic properties of the compounds, the physicochemical properties of the soils, and the transfer between soil-water and soil-air interfaces and across biological membranes. Abiotic and biotic processes can transform the chemical compound, thus altering its chemical state and, subsequently, its toxicity and reactivity. Ideally, the conversion is to carbon dioxide, water, and mineral elements, or at least, to some harmless substance. However, intermediate transformation products, which can become toxic pollutants in their own right, can sometimes be formed. 139 refs., 6 figs., 11 tabs.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 5406358
• Report Number(s): PNL-6186; ON: DE88006244
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510200 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DATA
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
EVALUATION
INFORMATION
INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
MICROORGANISMS
MORTALITY
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
RECOMMENDATIONS
REVIEWS
SOILS
VARIATIONS
XENOBIOTICS