Biodegradation of Bifenthrin using the Bacterium, Pseudomonas stutzeri (MTCC2300)

Abstract

Introduction: Pyrethroid pesticides are applied in agricultural fields to protect crop protection from pests and their residues, whichcan adversely affect soil and water quality, causing damage to non-target organisms. This research aimed to explore the potential role of the bacterial strain, Pseudomonas stutzeri in breaking down the pesticide, Bifenthrin. Materials and methods: The study focused on evaluating the efficiency of the bacterium, Pseudomonas stutzeri (MTCC2300) in degrading the pyrethroid, Bifenthrin. Various concentrations of Bifenthrin (2500, 5000, 7500, and 10000 ppm) were were subjected to treatment with the bacterial strain in minimal broth for 16 days. Results: When the efficiency of P.stutzeri on the degradation of 2500, 5000, 7500 and 10000 ppm of Bifenthrin was tested for a period of 16 days, decrease in pH, and an increase in CO2, NH3 and biomass were observed. pH was reduced to 7.6 while CO2 increased upto 4 mg/ml, NH3 upto 0.8mM and Biomass upto 0.6 g dry wt./ml. In two way ANOVA, Bifenthrin concentration resulted in a statistically significant variation in parameters like, pH, CO2 and NH3 of the culture mmedium. . Conclusion: P.stutzeri could tolerate Bifenthrin concentration upto 10000 ppm and it can be employed in Bioremediation programmes for cleaning pyrethroid pesticide polluted sites.