Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,
I have some questions about our new research project entitled: "Termite's Nest Fungus: Bioremediating Agent Against Organophosphates in Agricultural Land Areas"... My question is.. What is the name/scientific name of that fungus that is present in the termite's nest? What specific organophosphates that are widely used in the Philippines? What can you suggest about our title? I need your reply urgently sir/madam.. our science fair is fast approaching and i don't have any studies yet because our first study was rejected by our adviser because Anti-venom is too much dangerous for us according to her . Can you make a background of the study for me with its sources? Please send some related studies and literature about this study. Please help me as soon as possible experts... Thank you very much!!!

Jaycee

asnhs_archimedes,

Since you posted your question twice, I have deleted the duplicate topic. Having your questions scattered on two different topics makes helping you more difficult for the Experts. Please keep all your questions about your project on this topic.

Thank you.

Hi Jaycee,

Your questions are so broadly framed that I have had problems answering them. I found this survey document that may help you narrow down the species of termite that interests you:

http://www.israbat.ac.ma/Termite/Document%202.pdf

I am guessing that chlorpyrifos is the organophosphate compound of interest to you, though I have no way of knowing this for sure. I found at least one reference to fungi metabolizing this compound:

http://books.google.com/books?id=n-Jkpa ... #PPA138,M1

My impression is that you will have to do some serious research to first pin down the species of termites of interest to you and the fungi type of interest, and the pesticide of interest. When you know these it should be much easier to look for studies on the metabolism of the pesticide by the specific fungus of interest.

This sounds like an exciting project that could have real importance to people. I wish you every success with it!

Best wishes,

Barrett Tomlinson

Hi,

Here is a paper marginally related to your question. It investigated the degradation of chlorpyrifos in soils and found it enhanced by certain bacteria(apparently not fungi) found in some Austrailian soils. This interested me because of the report I saw reporting that chlorpyrifos had become less effective against termites in some Austrailian areas.

http://aem.asm.org/cgi/reprint/69/9/5198.pdf