Preferential Utilization of Endosulfan Isomers and Degradation by Two Fungal Consortia

Degradation of endosulfan by two different consortia of fungi was studied in a selective minimal medium containing endosulfan as the sole carbon source. Seven fungal isolates from the soils of coffee plantations and paddy fields of Chettally, Coorg, district, were selected. The degradation of endosulfan was monitored in the medium by gas liquid chromatography. Degradation pattern of endosulfan by fungi of consortium- A (Cladosporium and Aspergillus) was different from that of consortium-B fungi (Fusarium and Alternaria). In Consortium- A, there was preferential utilization of alpha isomer with endosulfan sulfate accumulating in the medium. On the contrary fungi of consortium- B attacked beta endosulfan first and degraded through the formation of endosulfan diol.