An exploration of bacterial consortia in chlorpyrifos degradation, soil remediation, and promotion of plant growth.

The eleven combinations of four isolates, S. maltophilia, P. hibiscicola, P. aeruginosa, and P. monteilii, were prepared and screened for chlorpyrifos (CP) degradation. Among these combinations, four highly CP degrading consortia were identified: D: S. maltophilia, P. hibiscicola, P. monteilii, E: P. hibiscicola, P. aeruginosa, P. monteilii, F: S. maltophilia, P. hibiscicola, and G: S. maltophilia, P. aeruginosa. These combinations were found to be mutually compatible, exhibiting no lysis or inhibition zones. Their application significantly decreased in CP content from 37.6 to 68.6% as compared to control. Consortia-treated soil also displayed reduced bio-concentration factor and translocation of CP in W. somnifera. A significant increase in biomass (40-71.2%), protein content (38-66.6%), chlorophyll (24.7-52.3%), and secondary metabolite of W. somnifera was observed after the application of consortia. The activities of soil enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase, and N-acetyl glucosaminidase), availability of nutrients, and soil microbial biomass carbon were also enhanced by the inoculation of consortia in soil. Overall, the results indicated that the consortium of S. maltophilia and P. aeruginosa exhibited the highest potential for CP degradation and plant growth promotion compared to the others. This consortium could be effectively utilized for the rapid degradation of CP in agricultural soil vis-a-vis improvement in the productivity of the plants.