Bioremediation of chlorpyrifos and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP) by a paddy field bacterial isolate: Insights from genome analysis for possible biodegradation pathway

Abstract

Chlorpyrifos (CP) is one of the worlds most widely used organophosphorous pesticides (OPs) in agriculture, has led to contaminate soil and water ecosystems along with human species. Here, we report a newly isolated strain, Ochrobactrum sp. CPD-03 form a paddy field which could degrade CP and its metabolite TCP (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol) in 48 hours with an efficiency of 85-88% in minimal salt medium. GC-MS analysis revealed possible metabolites during CP degradation. Whole genome analysis indicated the presence of arylesterase and existence of other genes accountable for xenobiotic compounds degradation. CPD-03 exhibited chemotactic features towards CP along with other OPs suggesting its versatile role for possible mineralization of these toxicants. Further screening of CPD-03 also displayed plant growth promoting activities. Taken altogether, our results highlight the potentials of this new isolate Ochrobactrum sp. CPD-03 in bioremediation and application in OP-contaminated ecosystem.