Degradation of methyl parathion by Pseudomonas putida.

Pseudomonas putida utilized methyl parathion as sole carbon and (or) phosphorus source. The bacterium elaborated the enzyme organophosphorus acid anhydrase, which hydrolyzed methyl parathion to p-nitrophenol. p-Nitrophenol was further degraded to hydroquinone and 1,2,4-benzenetriol. The final ring compound, 1,2,4-benzenetriol, was cleaved by benzenetriol oxygenase to maleyl acetate.