Microbiological Degradation of the Phenoxy Herbicide MCPP [2-(2-Methyl-4-Chlorophenoxy) Propionic Acid]

The microbiological degradation of 2-(2-methyl-4-chloro-phenoxy) propionic acid (MCPP) was evaluated using mixed cultures of soil bacteria. The mixed cultures comprised Pseudomonas species, Flavobacterium species, and Achromobacter species. The bacteria used MCPP as the sole source of carbon and energy but only a partial degradation of the parent compound occurred MCPP degradation proceeded via the formation of 2-methyl-4-chlorophenol (2, 4-MCP) which was detected by high pressure liquid chromatography (PHLC) and confirmed by gas chromatography-mass sepctrometry. This intermediate occurred only transiently and no evidence was seen for the presence of other intermediates detectable by the reverse-phase HPLC or UV absorbance.