Characterization of a Pseudomonas sp. Isolated from Langkawi Capable of Degrading Glyphosate

Abstract

Bioremediation of soil contaminants, including glyphosate, is an economically viable and environmentally friendly technique. Glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides for weed management, poses significant risks to wildlife and their habitats when it contaminates the environment. This study focused on the bioremediation potential of soil Pseudomonas spp. isolated from a paddy field with a long history of glyphosate application. The most promising isolate was tentatively identified as Pseudomonas sp. strain UPM-2009 through partial identification methods. This bacterium showed significant potential for glyphosate degradation under optimal conditions. Experiments demonstrated that Pseudomonas sp. degrades glyphosate most effectively at pH 7.0, a glyphosate concentration of 0.5 g/L, temperatures between 30 and 35°C, and an inoculum size of 1% (v/v). Notably, the bacterium exhibited a two-day lag period at 0.5 g/L glyphosate, achieving nearly 90% degradation after six days of incubation. Heavy metals such as Hg(II), Ag(I), and Cd(II) significantly inhibited bacterial growth, with inhibition rates of 99%, 95%, and 66%, respectively. This study underscores the potential of Pseudomonas sp. for bioremediation of glyphosate-contaminated environments. It highlights the need for further research, particularly molecular identification techniques, to fully characterize and optimize this bioremediation strategy. This approach can significantly contribute to mitigating the environmental impact of glyphosate pollution, promoting healthier ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices.