Anaerobic biodegradation of sumithion an organophosphorus insecticide used in Burkina Faso agriculture by acclimatized indigenous bacteria.

Biodegradation of Sumithion (o,o-dimethyl o-(3-methyl-4-nitrophenyl) phosphorothioate) was tested using microorganisms isolated from mud under controlled conditions. Results showed that after 2 years of acclimatation, the indigenous microorganisms can biodegrade sumithion under anaerobic conditions. This biodegradation lead to methane production. Biodegradation kinetics monitored by high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography showed that the acclimated consortium is able to carry out the biodegradation of 20, 50 and 100 mg L(-1) of Sumithion, respectively in 15, 25 and 45 days. The end products of sumithion biodegradation were gases. Such as CO2, N2, CH4 and H2S. Isolation and partial characterization of a strain able to degrade Sumithion were realized. This strain named SY can be easily produced and used for the bioremediation of waters and soils contaminated by Sumithion.