Halogenases have been shown to play a significant role in biosynthesis and introducing the bioactivity of many halogenated secondary metabolites. In this study, 54 reduced flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH(2))-dependent halogenase gene-positive strains were identified after the PCR screening of a large collection of 228 reference strains encompassing all major families and genera of filamentous...

Repeated annual episodes of Nile crocodile deaths in two isolated areas of the Kruger National Park prompted the investigation of possible organohalogen pollutant involvement. Crocodile eggs were collected close to one of the mortality sites (Gorge) as well as from a crocodile farm (CF) as reference. ∑DDT was significantly higher in Gorge (450ng/g wm) than in CF eggs (85ng/g wet mass). Percenta...

In soils halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine) are cycled through the transformation of inorganic halides into organohalogen compounds and vice versa. There is evidence that these reactions are microbially driven but the key enzymes and groups of microorganisms involved are largely unknown. Our aim was to uncover the diversity, abundance and distribution of genes encoding for halogenat...

A soil bacterium, Burkholderia sp. WS, grows on 2-chloroacrylate as the sole carbon source. To identify the enzymes metabolizing 2-chloroacrylate, we carried out comparative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the proteins from 2-chloroacrylate- and lactate-grown bacterial cells. As a result, we found that a protein named CAA43 was inducibly synthesized when the cells were grown on 2-chloroa...

Human milk is, without question, the best source of nutrition for infants containing the optimal balance of fats, carbohydrates and proteins for developing babies. Breastfeeding provides a range of benefits for growth, immunity and development building a powerful bond between mother and her child. Recognition of the manifold benefits of breast milk has led to the adoption of breast-feeding poli...

In East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus), anthropogenic organohalogen compounds (OHCs) (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers) contributed to renal lesions and are believed to reduce bone mineral density. Because OHCs are also hepatotoxic, we investigated liver histology of 32 subadult, 24 adult female, and 23 adult male East...

Interest in the determination and screening of pesticide residues in soil is caused by widespread use of chemical pesticides in agriculture, which increase soil contamination. Two extraction techniques, matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) of residual pesticides (acaricides, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides) from soil were compared. Advantages and disa...

ORGANOHALOGEN COMPOUNDS – Volume 66 (2004) 217 Introduction Toxaphene is a broad-spectrum insecticide, was one of the most heavily used agricultural chemicals on a global scale, especially against pests in cotton field and vegetable farms. Basically, commercial production of toxaphene involves the reaction of camphene, chlorine activated by ultraviolet radiation and certain catalysts to yield c...

We have measured the levels of flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in 20 recent human adipose tissues from Belgium and compared them to other organohalogen compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene, 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), and its metabolite, 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE). After Soxhlet...