Degradation of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its main metabolites (Diphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) using Trichoderma species

Abstract

Trichoderma species' ability to metabolize a variety of pesticides has led to their widespread use in agriculture. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a recalcitrant xenobiotic compound that endangers both fauna and flora. The aim of this study is to screen, characterize, and evaluate potential Trichoderma species that have the capability to degrade DDT and its main metabolites. Soil and effluent water samples were collected from Addis Ababa, Koka, and Ziway. The enrichment culture technique was used to isolate Trichoderma species Based on its morphological characteristics and MALDI-TOF MS analysis identification, the isolate that was ultimately chosen was determined to be Trichoderma orientale. A general, full factorial design was employed in the optimization assay. The highest biomass (0.09 ± 0.14 g), spore count (5.71 ± 0.55 log/mL), and radial growth rate (6.7 ± 3.1 cm) of isolate T4 was discovered. Using a gas chromatograph-electron capture detector, the degradation assays were evaluated from DDT-amended liquid media. At initial concentrations of 1750, 3500, 5250, and 7000 mg/L, it was able to co-metabolize and degrade more than 96 % of DDT, DDE, and DDD simultaneously. The T. orientale had the highest degradation efficiency among all the reported DDT-degrading Trichoderma species. This study demonstrates the potential use of T. orientale for DDT bioremediation purposes.