Biodegradation of methyl parathion and endosulfan using Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Trichoderma viridae.

Microorganisms play an important role in the bioconversion and total breakdown of pesticides in the environment. This study was conducted to assess the pesticide degradation (endosulfan and methyl parathion) ability of the bacteria and fungi (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Trichoderma viridae). The screening test conducted to reveal the ability to degrade endosulfan and methyl parathion shows that Trichoderma viridae was effective compared to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The pesticide degradation was estimated by optical density method. Methyl parathion was highly degraded compared to endosulfan. This study clearly proves that pesticides and their residue degradation can be accelerated by employing microbes which can be effectively utilized both as biocontrol agent and soil cleanser.