Biodegradation Of Chlorpyrifos Using Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated from Agricultural Wastewater in Kaduna State

This study evaluated the biodegradation potential of bacteria isolated from agricultural wastewater contaminated with chlorpyrifos pesticide. Wastewater samples were collected from drainage canals in Nasarawa, Kaduna State, Nigeria and analyzed for organophosphorus pesticide contamination using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Chlorpyrifos concentrations ranged from 105.6 ± 0.4 mg/L to 131.8 ± 0.2 mg/L. Bacterial isolates were identified using morphological, biochemical, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing techniques. Optimal degradation was observed at 30°C and pH 7. The isolate identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa degraded 60.43% of chlorpyrifos at 30 mg/L after 28 days. The metabolite 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP) was detected, confirming chlorpyrifos degradation. These findings demonstrate the potential application of this P. aeruginosa for the bioremediation of pesticide-contaminated agricultural wastewater.