Biodegradation of a Field Pesticide : Lab scale study of process parameter optimization

Elimination of pollutants from contaminated sites using microorganisms is an economical alternative to chemical technology. A bacterium capable of utilizing Parathion as sole carbon and energy source isolated from agriculture effluent using selective enrichment on MS media containing Parathion, a commonly used insecticide. The strain was identified as belonging to the genus Cupriavidus based on a phylogram constructed. The experiment was studied under submerged culture in selective broth at varied interval of time in view of dry weight of bacterial biomass, further emphasizing the optimization of different process parameters by Central Composite Design and ANOVA for the bio-degradation of Parathion. The mathematical model fitting of the growth curve of the isolated bacteria is also shown. Towards the final phases, the chemical analysis, characterization of Parathion in effluent sample as well as the confirmation of its degradation is observed. The work reflects Cupriavidus sp. as potential degraders of the pesticide Parathion and highlights in utilizing the resourceful microbial world in treatment of agro-chemical effluent.