Organophosphorus Pesticide Degradation by Microorganisms: A Review

Pesticides spread into the air, contaminate soil and water, and can affect various objects, contributing to secondary pollution regardless of the employed type or application method. Currently, organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) are widely utilized in agriculture, forestry, and livestock farming worldwide. These chemicals enter the body through multiple exposure routes and can harm the nervous system, endocrine system, and other organs. Owing to the environmental persistence and elevated toxicity exhibited by these pesticides, certain OPs are difficult to break down biologically, thus posing serious threats to human health and ecosystems. Disinfection or destruction of those pesticides remaining in the environment represents one of the important tasks scientists face. This review presents information on OPs, some of their properties, environmental impacts, and mechanisms for the effective decomposition of these pesticide residues by microorganisms. Bacteria and fungi isolated from samples contaminated with various OPs were analyzed. New metabolites formed during OP degradation by these microorganisms, as well as microbial enzymes involved in OP degradation and the molecular mechanisms of the process, are presented. The methods used in these studies and recommendations for future research are also detailed.