Exploration of Cladosporium uredinicola GRDBF21 and Bipolaris maydis GRDBF23 in biodegradation of the organophosphorus pesticide chlorpyrifos

Abstract

Objectives: The present study explored the ability of lignin-degrading enzyme-producing fungal isolates, Cladosporium uredinicola GRDBF21 (Accession No. KJ913698) and Bipolaris maydis GRDBF23 (Accession No. KJ913699) in the biodegradation of structurally complex chlorpyrifos (CPS). Methodology: Axenic cultures of the test isolates were acclimatised to CPS in Czapek Dox broth (CDB) containing 50 mgL−1 followed by 100 mgL−1 of CPS and subsequently with 200 mgL−1 of CPS as the only carbon source. A comparative evaluation of biomass production by the isolates in the presence and absence of CPS was made. The biodegradation of CPS by the isolates was evaluated by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Results: The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of CPS against C. uredinicola GRDBF21 and B. maydis GRDBF23 were 700 mg/L and 1300 mg/L, respectively. In the presence of CPS, C. uredinicola GRDBF21 and B. maydis GRDBF23 exhibited biomass production and maximum laccase activity of 4.2 g/L & 5.15 g/L and 290.14 U L−1 & 164.91 U L−1, respectively. The GC–MS analysis proved an effective biodegradation of CPS, as only a negligible and unquantifiable amount of CPS was present after 20 d of incubation. Conclusion: These results are indicative that the test isolates could be effectively used in the bioremediation of recalcitrant environmental pollutants, especially organophosphate pesticides like CPS.

Keywords

• Laccase
• Lignolytic fungi
• Neuro and respiratory system
• Cardiovascular
• Organophosphate pesticide
• Chlorpyrifos (CPS)