Phytodegradation of chlorpyrifos by Ricinus communis L.: a rapid and eco-friendly remediation strategy

The increasing contamination of soils by pesticides, particularly Chlorpyrifos (CPF), poses serious environmental threats. Phytoremediation is an emerging, sustainable, and cost-effective approach toward the remediation of pesticide-contaminated soils. This study explores the phytoremediation potential of Ricinus communis L. (castor bean) of Chlorpyrifos contaminated soils. Parameters such as seed germination percentage, vigor index, root and shoot length, and biomass were assessed under varying CPF concentrations. The presence of CPF in soil and plant tissues analyzed using GC-MS/MS over a 14-day period revealed complete degradation of CPF within 14 days, with no detectable residues either in soil/plant samples. Morphological assessments of Ricinus communis L. showed high tolerance to CPF stress, providing insightful evidence of Ricinus communis L. functioning both as a CPF accumulator and degrader, with no phytotoxic symptoms under pesticide loads. These findings introduce Ricinus communis L. as a novel, fast-acting, and eco-friendly phytoremediator, offering a practical solution for remediating organophosphate contaminated environments.