Bio-removal efficiency of glyphosate by using indigenous laccase producing fungi

This study was aimed to determine the degradation potential of indigenous fungi isolated from glyphosate contaminated soil. A total number of 10 fungal strains have been isolated and screened their tolerance level against various concentrations of glyphosate (200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm).These strains were also screened for laccase activity. Only two strains 5p and 6m showed laccase activity and they are characterized, identified and selected for myco-remediation experiment. Due to its macro- and microscopic morphology of mycelia and the molecular similarity, the isolate 5p was identified as Trichoderma harzianum and the isolate 6m as Aspergillus Aiger. 1000 ppm of Glyphosate disappeared rapidly in mineral salt liquid media by T. harzianum 78.1% and A. niger 87.3%. Glyphosate almost disappeared by T. harzianum 67.1 % and A. niger 67.2% in the water medium. Based on present findings, these fungal strains can be recommended as potentially effective to protect the environment from the herbicide residues.