Interaction of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, and other microorganisms, with 10,10′-oxybisphenoxarsine (OBPA)

The fungicide 10,10′-oxybisphenoxarsine (OBPA) is widely used in consumer products, such as shower curtains, wall coverings and carpets. A possibility exists that microorganisms might be able to degrade OBPA to produce volatile trimethylarsine. If this did occur, then in certain situations enough trimethylarsine might be produced to be a hazard. In this study, we cultured microorganisms in medium containing OBPA, and examined the medium for possible degradation products. We used Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in one experiment, because this microorganism is known for its ability to biomethylate arsenic. OBPA-tolerant microorganisms, isolated from a soil contaminated with arylarsenic compounds, were used in a second series of experiments. We found no evidence of complete microbiological cleavage of aryl–arsenic bonds in any of the cultures, and no significant amount of trimethylarsine was detected in the headspace of S. brevicaulis cultures. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.