Biodegradation of Chlorpyrifos Using Indigenous Pseudomonas sp. Isolated from Industrial Drain

Abstract

Excessive use of pesticides are disturbing major components of ecosystems. Therefore their removal using biodegradation technique is the need of time. In present study, 35 microbial strains were isolated from industrial drain which carries effluents from chlorpyrifos manufacturing plant. These strains significantly differ in their ability against chlorpyrifos resistance and degradation. Out of these strains WW5 was found most resistant and effective in chlorpyrifos degradation. On the basis of morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics, strain WW5 was identified as Pseudomonas sp. Biodegradation potential of WW5 strain was studied under different culture conditions like concentration of chlorpyrifos, carbon sources, pH and inoculum densities. In the presence of glucose chlorpyrifos was co-metabolized. High pH (8) and high inoculum density (10⁸ CFU/mL) show most efficient results in biodegradation. Presence of other nutrients enhanced chlorpyrifos degradation probably due to high growth on easily metabolizable compounds which in turn favors biodegradation. The strain WW5 showed 94% degradation of chlorpyrifos (400 mg/L) within 18 days of incubation. This strain can be used for bioremediation and ecological restoration of sites, contaminated with chlorpyrifos.