Biodegradation of Organophosphorous Pesticide: Chlorpyrifos

At the present time extensive varieties of pesticides are being used but the demand for organophosphorus pesticide is increasing globally to control insect. Chlorpyrifos is a broad spectrum, moderately toxic, chlorinated organophosphate insecticide that is synthetic in origin and is normally ester or thiol derivatives of phosphoric, phosphonic or phosphoramidic acids. The mode of action involves inhibiting acetyl cholinesterase leading to accumulation of acetylcholine causing neurotoxicity. It is being transported by circulation far away from site of application leading to pollution of environment. Due to its persistent in nature, it is not only severely detrimental to the target pests, but also causes toxicity in non-target organisms including humans. It is thus critically important to develop methods to eradicate these pollutants from the environment. Lately, research activities in this area have demonstrated that microorganisms are potential tool in decaying chlorpyrifos into less harmful and non-toxic metabolites through a process known as bioremediation. This article therefore aims at giving an overview of the present status of research and future prospects in bioremediation of chlorpyrifos.