Abstract
A consortium was developed of the bacterial isolates showing growth and resistance to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) in nutrient agar and mineral salt medium with and without glucose up to concentration of 3500-6000 ppm. This consortium was used to check the degradation of 2, 4-D, when applied in soil (Sterilize and Unsterilized). The laboratory scale experiment was setup at two temperatures (30°C and 50°C) for four weeks. Effect of the addition of external carbon source (glucose) was also studied. Analysis of 2,4-D in soil (acetone extract) was done weekly for four weeks. Results showed that in sterilized soil 2,4-D was reduced up to 95.8%, in sterilized soil with glucose up to 63.0%, and in unsterilized soil up to 85.5% at 30C in four weeks. Where as at 50C reduction of 2,4-D was observed up to 70.0% and 50.8% in sterilized and unsterilized soil respectively after four weeks. Isolated bacterial strains have potential for bioremediation of chlorinated pesticides polluted soil.
