Biodegradation of the Synthetic Pyrethroid, Deltamethrin by Bacillus Subtilis in Short Term Treatment

Abstract

Background: Deltamethrin is a pyrethroid pesticide that kills pests on contact and through digestion. It
works by paralyzing the insect’s nervous system and therefore giving a quick knock-down effect. It is a
highly persistent pyrethroid that is commercially used especially in soil containing a high proportion of
organic matter. Deltamethrin is particularly highly toxic to mammals and aquatic organisms and also the
breakdown is slow in the environment.
Materialsand Methods: Degradation of deltamethrin using Bacillus subtilis MTCC2423 obtained from
IMTECH was performed in the present study. When cultured in minimal medium containing 50,100,150
and 200 ppm concentrations of deltamethrin, parameters such as pH, carbon dioxide, esterase activity and
biomass were analysed for four days.
Results: Enhancement of carbon dioxide levels indicates the degradation of deltamethrin. Increase in pH,
CO2, esterase activity and biomass was observed.
Conclusion: Thus degradation of deltamethrin using Bacillus subtilis was efficient upto 100 ppm.