Optimization and elucidation of organophosphorus and pyrethroid degradation pathways by a novel bacterial consortium C3 using RSM and GC-MS-based metabolomics

The present study, was aimed to develop a bacterial consortium (C3) comprising three morphologically distinct isolates (A, B, and C) which can degrade chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin and glyphosate efficiently. The consortium isolates were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bacillus shackletonii by genome sequencing. The independent variables of chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin and glyphosate degradation by C3 viz. pesticide concentration, pH and inoculum size were optimized using central composite design (CCD). Under optimized conditions, the variables had a significant ( p  < 0.05) influence on chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and glyphosate biodegradation. The consortium under optimized conditions could degrade 94.93, 89.4, and 87.01% of Chl, Cyp, and Gly-after 15 days of incubation. A common biodegradation pathway for each pesticide was proposed based on the integrated genomic and Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Overall, the study herein sheds light on the role of microbes in the degradation of pesticides, with the results indicating that the newly developed consortium is a promising and potential candidate for the detoxification or elimination of chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and glyphosate in a safe, economical and eco-friendly manner.