Biodegradation of nicosulfuron by a Talaromyces flavus LZM1

► This is the first study to report that a Talaromyces species could degrade nicosulfuron. ► Talaromyces flavus LZM1 could degrade nicosulfuron over a broad range of temperature and pH levels. ► Response surface methodology based on the Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the parameters. ► Metabolites from nicosulfuron degradation were identified by LC-MS, and a possible degradation pathway was deduced.