Capability of S. oneidensis MR-1 for malathion degradation: Insights from physiological and biochemical analyses

The microbial degradation of pollutants has become a popular research topic. For example, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 (S. oneidensis MR-1) has the ability to degrade the malathion. In this study, changes in the physiological and biochemical properties of S. oneidensis MR-1 related to malathion degradation were comprehensively examined to verify its capability. S. oneidensis MR-1 showed the strongest growth and oxidative response when a 5% inoculum was exposed to 20 mg/L malathion at pH 7 and 35 °C for 4 d, which was the same time at which it achieved maximal malathion degradation. Moreover, the degradation processes were consistent with a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. This study inferred the optimal conditions for malathion degradation, based on physiological and biochemical analysis, providing a theoretical basis for the effective degradation and removal of malathion.