Modeling and Optimization of Chlorpyrifos by Fungi Isolated from Agricultural Soil, Elucidating their Degradation Pathways by LC-MS-Based Metabolomics

Chlorpyrifos is a moderately hazardous insecticide to humans (Class II) by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its acute toxicity still we are using cost-competitive and widely available suitable for various agro-climatic conditions, especially in arid regions of India. Our study explores the sustainable biodegradation pathways of biodegradation of chlorpyrifos-contaminated soils so that a novel chlorpyrifos-degrading fungus was isolated and identified as Aspergillus and Fusarium with the unique capability to degrade Chlorpyrifos. Identification of C1 and C2 two fungal strains, followed by isolation and characterization of CP and TCP degrading fungi through efficient biodegradation method. By LC-MS analysis the m/z values of sample TCP detected in culture medium and soil Aspergillus and Fusarium were able to completely mineralize Chlorpyrifos and its metabolite TCP from C1 and C2 culture grown in Mineral medium after 7 days of incubation soil without formation of any known intermediates. This study supports the idea that soils contaminated with Chlorpyrifos could be remedied effectively using fungi that break down Chlorpyrifos. Hence, this fungal consortium can be a valuable bio-augmenting agent to clean up Chlorpyrifos contaminated sites and helps in the sustainable management of natural resources.