Biodegradation of α and β endosulfan by Aspergillus sydoni

The biodegradation of endosulfan and the metabolites formed were studied using fungi both in broth culture as well as in soil microcosm. Fungal strains were isolated from soil and grown in broth Czapek-dox medium. The strain which utilized endosulfan and showed maximum growth was selected for detailed studies. Maximum degrading capability in shake flask culture was shown by Aspergillus sydoni which degraded 95% of endosulfan α and 97% of endosulfan β in 18 d of incubation. Soil microcosm study was also carried out using this strain in six different treatments. Endosulfan sulfate was the main metabolite formed along with small quantity of endosulfan ether and endosulfan lactone both in broth culture and soil microcosm. This isolated fungal strain will be a potential source for endosulfan degrading enzymes and can be used for bioremediation at the contaminated sites.