ABSTRACT

Approximately 70,000 different organic compounds are now used in the day-to-day life of human beings. These compounds include pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, industrial compounds, explosives, dyes, phenols, organic compounds in land ll leachate, and petroleum hydrocarbons. These compounds are often referred to as xenobiotics (xeno means foreign; bios means life) as they are foreign to life. Xenobiotic compounds are chemically synthesized and do not exist naturally in biological systems. The most common and widely distributed xenobiotics are pesticides. These compounds are often referred to as toxic organic compounds. These toxic organic compounds when found at levels higher than background can be toxic to biotic communities. They are also referred to as organic pollutants (Alexander, 1994). Recent advances in analytical techniques and the use of advanced instrumentation have aided in detecting low levels of toxic organics in the environment. Toxic organics can occur as single compounds or as complex mixtures. Widespread pollution of soils and surface and groundwaters occurs as a result of improper use and disposal, and accidental release of organic chemicals into the environment. In recent years, numerous strategies and technologies have been developed for remediation of contaminated areas.