Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Abstract

Lindane is an organochlorine compound, having wide range of application in pest control, vector control and in medical field for treatment of head lice and scabies. Chemically, Lindane is the gamma isomer of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH). Pertaining to its toxicity, persistency and potential carcinogenic effect, its usage has been banned in several countries. However many developing countries are still using Lindane for economic reasons. Owing to unregulated production, usage and unsound disposal practices, γ-HCH has become ubiquitous environmental pollutant posing serious toxicological threat to public health and environment. Hence remediation of Lindane contaminated sites has become one of the most pervasive problems in environmental management. In view of this, herein an integrated approach has been proposed for remediation of Lindane. This integrated approach involves the use of microbial cells along with iron nanoparticles for degrading Lindane, thus exploiting the reductive capabilities of both biotic as well as abiotic processes. Experimental studies revealed that biotic and abiotic processes acts synergistically in integrated system displaying higher Lindane removal efficiency as compared to individual processes. Thus integrated approach could be used as a potential remediation tool for managing Lindane contaminated sites. The encouraging results obtained in this study should promote further research into applying integrated techniques to other isomers of HCH as well as other chlorinated contaminants.

Biography

Ritu Singh has completed her Masters in Environmental Science from CSJM University, Kanpur in 2008. Currently she is pursuing her Ph.D in Environmental Science from CSIR- IITR., Lucknow. Her area of work includes synthesis, characterization and application of nanoparticles for remediation of environmental contaminants. She has published six papers in International Journal of repute and is expected to have other two by the end of 2012