ABSTRACT
Both natural and xenobiotic organic compounds abound in the universe. Many of these compounds are toxic to humans and animals. Industrial and manufacturing enterprises produce a myriad of organic chemicals, and it has been estimated that over 5 million distinct organic compounds are registered. The potential impact of toxic organic compounds on human health and the environment is a function of levels of concentration, uptake by crops and plants, and bioavailability. Many bacteria, fungi and other organisms have been found that can degrade organic compounds under aerobic conditions. Household wastes discharged into the municipal solid waste stream contain oils, solvents, pesticides and many other toxic organic compounds. Several studies have been conducted on organic compounds found in yard wastes. In 1990, results of an analysis for organic compounds in leaf compost from several communities in New York State showed that only 12 of the 139 compounds analyzed were detected at the parts-per-billion level.
