Bioremediation of HCH-contaminated soil: elimination of inhibitory effects of the insecticide on radish and green gram seed germination

The effects of technical grade hexachlorocyclohexane (tech-HCH) on the germination of different seeds were tested. Two types of seeds, radish and green gram showed marked reduction in germination percentage and seeding vigour index. The abnormalities and reduction in germination increased with increasing concentration of tech-HCH. At 100 microg HCH level the germination of radish and green gram seeds was inhibited almost completely on moist filter paper and soil. Protease and amylase activities were reduced in seeds grown in soil spiked with tech-HCH. Bioremediation of HCH-spiked soils with a HCH-degrading microbial consortium helped in eliminating the toxic effects of tech-HCH towards seed germination. The degradation of 25 microg tech-HCH g(-1) soil was complete by 120 h. The seed germination and the activities of the assayed enzymes, amylase and protease, were same as before or better in bioremediated soils.