Dual Functionality of Soil Microbes: Chlorpyrifos Biodegradation and Enhancement of Plant Growth

The present investigation aimed to formulate and evaluate a bacterial consortium capable of metabolizing chlorpyrifos under in vivo conditions. This consortium was also assessed for its potential to promote the growth of vegetables such as cauliflower, spinach, and radish. Bacterial consortia capable of degrading chlorpyrifos were isolated from pesticide-contaminated agricultural soil found within and around the National Capital Region (NCR), New Delhi, India. Subsequently, a compatible and efficient bacterial consortium was combined into an optimized formulation for further evaluation. The consortium was tested under controlled pot culture conditions using chlorpyrifoscontaminated soil and water as the growth media. Moreover, the crop seeds were treated using the bacterial formulation before sowing in the experimental setup. Chlorpyrifos residue levels in soil and water were monitored over time using gas chromatography for quantitative analysis. In addition, a phosphate-solubilizing biofertilizer (PSB) was incorporated into the bacterial mixture for its supplementary effect on plant growth. According to the results, 98–99% degradation of chlorpyrifos occurred at the centralized time point of the bacterial consortium within 10 days. This high degradation rate was consistent in both contaminated water and soil environments. Notably, when the PSB was included in the formulation, 98–99% degradation was achieved within just 5 days. Furthermore, shoot height and biomass increased by about 15% to 20% across all three crops tested in the study. These improvements indicate a significant enhancement in plant growth performance with the bacterial treatment. Therefore, this approach demonstrates dual promise: rapid pesticide degradation and enhanced crop yield. It offers a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy to mitigate chlorpyrifos contamination in agricultural systems.