Biodegradation of Pesticide Cypermethrin by Phosphatase and Esterase Enzymes Produced by Actinomycetes

Successful green revolution has introduced a large variety of fertilizers and pesticides. These toxic chemicals pollute soil, water and atmosphere. A pesticide molecule can be removed by volatization, leaching, photochemical degradation, etc. The molecule may undergo biodegradation. The present study is focused on biodegradation of pesticide cypermethrin (cypersul) through the action of enzyme produced by Actinomycetes. The degradation of cypermethrin was carried out using amended basal salt medium fortified with cypermethrin. The rate of degradation by actinomycetes was to the tune of 98% in 72 hrs as compared to 3% degradation in their absence. Crude and purified extracts were tested to find activity of extracellular enzymes. Enzymes phosphatases and esterases were found to be playing role.