Persistence of some phenylamide pesticides in the aquatic environment—III. Biological degradation

Mixed population of microorganisms of river water and sewage did not metabolize IPC, CIPC, Linuron, Monuron, Stam and Vitavax during the tested period lasting for 4 months. Bacillus cereus, when added to the aqueous solutions of these pesticides, was capable to degrade IPC, Linuron, Stam and Vitavax whereas CIPC and Monuron were chemically stable. The investigated phenylamides have no inhibitory effects on bacteria and are not expected to affect the process of self-purification of surface waters. Susceptibility of phenylamides to biodegradation in aquatic environment and their health hazards were discussed.