Biomineralization of an organophosphorus pesticide, Monocrotophos, by soil bacteria.
OBJECTIVE
To study biomineralization of Monocrotophos (MCP) and identify the metabolites formed during biodegradation.


RESULTS
Two cultures, namely Arthrobacter atrocyaneus MCM B-425 and Bacillus megaterium MCM B-423, were isolated by enrichment and adaptation culture technique from soil exposed to MCP. The isolates were able to degrade MCP to the extent of 93% and 83%, respectively, from synthetic medium containing MCP at the concentration of 1000 mg x l(-1), within 8 d, under shake culture condition at 30 degrees C. The cultures degraded MCP to carbon dioxide, ammonia and phosphates through formation of one unknown compound--Metabolite I, valeric or acetic acid and methylamine, as intermediate metabolites. The enzymes phosphatase and esterase, reported to be involved in biodegradation of organophosphorus compounds, were detected in both the organisms.


CONCLUSIONS
Arthrobacter atrocyaneus MCM B-425 and B. megaterium MCM B-423 isolated from soil exposed to MCP were able to mineralize MCP to carbon dioxide, ammonia and phosphates.


CONCLUSIONS
Pathway for biodegradation of MCP in plants and animals has been reported. A microbial metabolic pathway of degradation involving phosphatase and esterase enzymes has been proposed. The microbial cultures could be used for bioremediation of wastewater or soil contaminated with Monocrotophos.
Bhadbhade
B J
BJ
Microbial Sciences Division, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Sarnaik
S S
SS
Kanekar
P P
PP
D000641:Ammonia / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D001173:Arthrobacter / Q000201:enzymology*; D001410:Bacillus megaterium / Q000201:enzymology*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D004950:Esterases / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D007306:Insecticides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008999:Monocrotophos / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D010710:Phosphates / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D010744:Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D012988:Soil Microbiology
D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile; D007306:Insecticides; D010710:Phosphates; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D008999:Monocrotophos; D000641:Ammonia; D004950:Esterases; D010744:Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases