Characterization of Endosulfan and Endosulfan sulphate degradation by strains of Pseudomonas putida

In this paper, we describe the characterization of a bacterial culture obtained by the process of enrichment from an endosulfan contaminated soil sourced from a coffee cultivated area. When the culture was grown in the presence of endosulfan or endosulfan sulphate as the sole source of sulphur, more than 70% of endosulfan and 90% of endosulfan sulphate degradation was observed. The culture was found to consist of strains of Pseudomonas putida, differing in their 16srRNA sequence. An increase in biomass up to 1.8g/L and 2.2g/L was observed in the presence of endosulfan and endosulfan sulphate respectively. Metabolites of endosulfan degradation like endosulfan diol, endosulfan lactone and endosulfan sulphate were detected in the cultures. The culture showed higher degradation under aerated conditions compared to static conditions. With the ability to tolerate high concentrations of endosulfan and endosulfan sulphate, this culture has the potential for use as a bioremediating agent for contaminated soil and water.