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Comparison of in-vitro and in-situ degradation of sup 14 C-fenvalerate in tidal marsh sediment

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:6942323
The fate and effect of {sup 14}C-Fenvalerate in tidal marsh sediment were examined under in-vitro and in-situ conditions. Three dosages (1, 10, and 100 ppm) of {sup 14}C-fenvalerate were uniformly applied to the sediment and allowed to incubate simultaneously under artificial salt marsh (in-vitro ecosystem model) or in-situ (DeCoursey Cove of the Chesapeake Bay) conditions. After 0, 4, 7, 14, and 28 days incubation, sediment samples were removed from each system and examined for microbial viability (i.e. heterotrophic activity) and qualitative and quantitative degradation patterns. Fenvalerate did not cause any significant effects on heterotrophic microorganisms at any treatment level (under either in-vitro or in-situ conditions), as measured by plate counts and substrate degradation assays (starch, cellulose, and protein). Additionally, there were no statistical differences in plate counts or substrate degradation assays between the in-vitro and in-situ systems. No statistical difference in fenvalerate degradation curves were observed between the in-vitro and in-situ systems. The qualitative degradation pattern of fenvalerate was also similar in both systems. Thin-layer chromatographic analysis of in-vitro and in-situ sediment extracts revealed the presence of three metabolites in all treatments after 4 days of incubation. It was proposed that degradation of fenvalerate is initiated by hydration at the CN-group (COHN{sub 2}-fenvalerate) or direct ester cleavage of the parent molecule.
Research Organization:
Maryland Univ., College Park, MD (USA)
OSTI ID:
6942323
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English