title: Biodegradation and utilization of organophosphorus pesticide malathion by Cyanobacteria.
abstract: Three strains of filamentous Cyanobacteria were used to study their growth and utilization of organophosphorus pesticide malathion. A sharp decrease in the growth of the algal strains was observed by increasing the concentration of malathion. Amongst them Nostoc muscorum tolerated different concentrations and was recorded as the highest efficient strain for biodegradation (91%) of this compound. Moreover, carbohydrate and protein content of their cells overtopped the other strains especially at higher concentrations. The algal strains were further subjected to grow under P-limitation in absence and presence of malathion. Although, the algal growth under P-limitation recorded a very poor level, a massive enhanced growth and phosphorous content of cells were obtained when the P-limited medium was amended with malathion. This study clarified that N. muscorum with its capability to utilize malathion as a sole phosphorous source is considered as an inexpensive and efficient biotechnology for remediation of organophosphorus pesticide from contaminated wastewater.
authors.affiliation: Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.
authors.forename: Wael M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Ibrahim
authors.affiliation: Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.
authors.forename: Mohamed A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Karam
authors.affiliation: Agricultural Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt.
authors.forename: Reda M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: El-Shahat
authors.affiliation: Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.
authors.forename: Asmaa A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Adway
mesh_terms: D020418:Algal Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental / Q000187:drug effects; D018533:Biomass; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000032:analysis; D002452:Cell Count; D000458:Cyanobacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D008294:Malathion / Q000633:toxicity*; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology; D012044:Regression Analysis
chemical_list: D020418:Algal Proteins; D002241:Carbohydrates; D010758:Phosphorus; D008294:Malathion