Malathion biodegradation by a psychrotolerant bacteria Ochrobactrum sp. M1D and metabolic pathway analysis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Microbiology
• Bioremediation
• Pesticide Degradation

Background:

• Organophosphorus pesticides like malathion pose environmental risks.
• Microbial biodegradation is a sustainable approach for pesticide removal.
• Limited research exists on malathion biodegradation under psychrophilic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and identify bacteria capable of malathion biodegradation.
• To investigate the degradation efficiency and pathways of malathion by the isolated strain.
• To explore the potential of the strain for bioremediation in cold climates.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of bacteria from malathion-contaminated soil.
• Cultivation and optimization of bacterial growth conditions (temperature, pH).
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for metabolite identification and pathway elucidation.

Main Results:

• Ochrobactrum sp. M1D was isolated and utilized malathion as a sole carbon and energy source.
• 100% degradation of 100 mg/L malathion was achieved within 12 days at 20°C and pH 7.0.
• Major metabolites identified included methyl phosphate, diethyl maleate, and diethyl 2-mercaptosuccinate, suggesting multiple degradation pathways.

Conclusions:

• Ochrobactrum sp. M1D demonstrates efficient malathion biodegradation under psychrotolerant conditions.
• This study is the first to report malathion biodegradation by a psychrotolerant strain via multiple pathways.
• The strain holds promise for bioremediating malathion-contaminated soils in cold regions and for biotechnological applications.