Biodegradation of phorate in soil and rhizosphere of Brassica juncea (L.) (Indian Mustard) by a microbial consortium

The investigation was carried out to assess the potential of bacterial isolates to degrade phorate in soil and to study the effect of presence of plants, Brassica juncea, on the biodegradation process. The bacterial consortium consisting of three isolates viz. Ralstonia eutropha, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter cloacae obtained by enrichment on phorate could degrade it up to 73 +/- 3% in aqueous medium and 55 +/- 4% in a sandy loam soil. The degradation of phorate by the consortium in the soil was increased up to 64 +/- 5% in the presence of B. juncea. Biodegradation of phorate in soil in presence of plants alone was 38 +/- 4% as compared to 15 +/- 2% in controls. Additionally, all the three isolates were found to possess plant growth promoting potential. Thus, the isolates can be used for remediation of sites contaminated with phorate and other organophosphates. B. juncea may be a potential plant for phytoremediation and rhizoremediation of such sites. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.