Abstract
Cypermethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide mainly used in Pakistan to increase cotton crop production. Being highly insoluble and toxic
to aquatic organisms, its treatment need especial attention. In this study malathion degrading bacterial isolate designated as IES-Ps-1
was used to assess its biodegradation potential for Cypermethrin. The data indicate that bioaugmented conventional activated sludge
system able to treat Cypermethrin contaminated wastewater and a complete removal at 20 mg/L dose was observed after 48 hours.
However, further loading of organic compound (40, 80 & 120 mg/L) correspondingly decreased the removal efficiency. But under
mechanical agitation using 8-9 mg/L dissolved oxygen in a wide range of pH (6.8-8.8) at 28-30 C temperature, >85% removal
efficiency was achieved even at high organic load (80 mg/L). Experimental findings proved the potential of this bacterium to be used
in bioremediation of pesticide contaminated effluent. Such study would be valuable to scientist and engineers who are trying to
develop methods for the clean up of contaminated soils and water.
