Biodegradation of Paraoxan as an Organophosphate Pesticide with Pseudomonas plecoglocissida Transfected by opd Gene

Background: Organophosphate pesticides (OP) are applied to agricultural farms and can be carried away into closely sewerage and gullies, which consequently carry water to rivers and lakes and when distributed in the environment they become polluted and require remediation. Objectives: The current study aimed at producing a genetically engineered Pseudomonas plecoglossicida capable of biodegradation of the organophosphate pesticides, paraoxon. Methods: Genetically engineered P. plecoglossicida was initially made by transferring polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product of opd gene from Flavobacterium sp. ATCC 27551 into the chromosome of P. plecoglossicida. Results: The constructed strain could hydrolyze paraoxon to p-nitrophenol and di-ethylphosphate in paraoxon supplemented in complete supplement mixture (CSM) medium. The isolate could use paraoxon as the only source of carbon. Thus, the bacteria degraded the organophosphate pesticides, and utilized nutrient products of their degradation. Conclusions: The observed versatility of genetically engineered P. plecoglossicida in biodegradation of xenobiotics suggested that this strain may be useful for the multipurpose bioremediation of contaminated agricultural and industrial sites. Keywords: Organophosphates, Pesticide, Bioremediation, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida