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Project title

Biodegradation of sheep dip wastes as an environmentally safe method of disposal.

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

Nicholas Clipson

Project Abstract

The agri-food sector contributes 10% of Irish GNP and 11% of employment but it is also the main producer of organic and chemical wastes in Ireland. In upland and some lowland grassland areas sheep production is significant and sheep dips are widely used to control a wide range of animal parasites. Until recently most sheep dips have been based upon a range of organophosphate chemicals but these have been banned because of their high mammalian toxicity and health problems associated with their use. Sheep dips are now largely formulated from synthetic pyrethroids (pyrethrin) an insecticidal ester originally derived from the flower heads of certain Chrysanthemum species. Although these compounds exhibit a much lower mammalian toxicity than their organophosphate counterparts concentrations as low as 10ng/L have the potential to eradicate invertebrate life in rivers and lakes. The causes of this pollution include loss from the dipping tank run-off from recently dipped sheep and/or from soil which was used for disposal. The wash from woollen mills in the textile industry is also a potential source of this toxic waste. At present information regarding the biodegradation of synthetic pyrethroids in the environment is incomplete. The focus of this project is to identify and isolate using both conventional and molecular approaches microorganisms which break down synthetic pyrethroids. Several bacteria were isolated from both uncontaminated soil and soil previously exposed to synthetic pyrethroid sheep dip using submerged fermentation. Extraction and analytical methods were developed to detect this compound in aqeous based systems. Isolates have been screened for their ablility to degrade the synthetic pyrethroid cypermethrin in submerged fermentation.

Grant Approved

�75,000.00

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

Waste and Resources Management

Start Date

01/01/2003

Initial Projected Completion Date

n/a