Compound degraded:Mirex
General Description (About POP compound)
Mirex, a chlorinated insecticide, is the active ingredient in bait used to control the imported fire ant. Prepared in 1946, mirex was first introduced for use in pesticidal formulations in 1959; mirex acts as a stomach poison. Mirex was used as a flame retardant in plastics, rubber, paint, paper and electrical goods. Extreme persistence in the natural environment provides an opportunity for accumulation in the food chain.
Biodegradation pathway
Publications
| Abstract | Title | Authors | Article Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Several investigators have been unsuccessful in detecting metabolites of Mirex [dodecachlorooctahydro1,3,4-metheno-2H cyclobuta (cd) pentalene] in biological systems. GIBSON et al. (1972) reported that rats did not metabolize Mirex or its major photoproduct. MEHENDALE et al. (1972) found no Mirex metabolites after Mirex was incubated with rat, mouse, and rabbit liver preparations and with bean and pea root preparations. Investigations into the ability of several aerobic soils, anaerobic lake sediments, and pure cultures of soil microorganisms to degrade Mirex have also yielded negative results (JONES and HODGES, 1974). Recently, however, ANDRADE and WHEELER (1974) reported the biodegradation of Mirex by sewage sludge microorganisms under anaerobic conditions. This paper presents data concerning the isolation and identification of a Mirex metabolite. | Identification of a Mirex metabolite | Andrade Jr et al., 1975 | Link |