Pesticide removal by a mixed culture of bacteria and white-rot fungi

Combining activated sludge cultures with microbes harboring specific degradation pathways could constitute a relevant process for the removal of toxic and recalcitrant organic substances from wastewater. Enhanced removal of three widely used recalcitrant pesticides from their liquid mixture was demonstrated by implementing a non-acclimated mixed culture of bacteria and white-rot fungus. During an incubation period of 14 days, the mixed fungus–bacteria culture achieved 47, 98, and 62% removal of aldicarb, atrazine and alachlor from the liquid phase, respectively. This compared favorably to batches containing only non-acclimated fungus or previously published removal rates with non-acclimated bacterial cultures. Biosorption along with biodegradation was responsible for the removal of the pesticides from the liquid phase. Potential application modes of the studied biodegradation process were also discussed.

► A non-acclimated bacteria – white-rot fungus mixed culture was used.
► Enhanced removal of three selected pesticides from their liquid mixture was observed.
► Biosorption along with biodegradation contributed to the removal of the pesticides.
► Batches containing only non-acclimated fungus or bacteria showed poor removal.