Electrochemical monitoring of the biodegradation of 2,4-dimethylaniline.

2,4-Dimethylaniline is a recalcitrant degradant of the pesticide amitraz and is also an industrial pollutant which is genotoxic, teratogenic and carcinogenic. The biological degradation of 2,4-dimethylaniline was examined and monitored by cyclic voltammetry. Pseudomonas species isolated from cattle dip tanks initially metabolized 2,4-dimethylaniline by oxidative deamination, following a degradation pathway via a 3-methylcatechol intermediate. The bacteria were capable of utilizing 2,4-dimethylaniline as a nitrogen source and, following deamination, as a carbon source. The formation of the metabolite, 3-methylcatechol, was monitored and confirmed by voltammetric monitoring.