Cypermethrin biodegradation in contaminated surface soil - A laboratory technique

M. Geetha¹ and M. H. Fulekar²

¹Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Mumbai (India) ²Department of Life Science, University of Mumbai, Kalina, Santacruz , Mumbai - 400 098 (India)

ABSTRACT: The surface soil contamination with pesticides is a persistent environmental problem in the pesticide manufacturing and formulation industries. The present physico – chemical and biological treatment is not efficient & effective to remove the pesticides from the contaminated soil. The microbial degradation would be an effective treatment technology for the remediation of pesticides. In the present study, a laboratory technique has been developed for cypermethrin biodegradation. The varying concentrations of cypermethrin i.e. 25ppm, 50ppm and 100 ppm were taken in surface soil treatment unit and bioremediation conditions were monitored and maintained. The biodegradation of cypermethrin has resulted into the formation of intermediates such as 3-phenoxy benzaldehyde, 3-phenoxy benzyl alcohol and 3-phenoxy benzoic acid. These compounds are less toxic than the parent compound and in the long run would be mineralized into nutrient & biomass. The present treatment technology would prove to be an effective technique for treatment of surface soil contaminated with pesticides. This technology would be useful to the pesticide industry for treatment of the pesticide wastes.

KEYWORDS: Cypermethrin; Bioremediation; Surface Soil treatment Unit; Cow -dung; Biomass

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