Butachlor degradation by Pseudomonas sp. But1 and Pseudomonas sp. But2 immobilized in polyurethane foam (PUF)

Abstract

Butachlor has been extensively applied to control weeds, increasing food production and reducing labor. In this study, butachlor degradation by Pseudomonas sp. But1 and Pseudomonas sp. But2 immobilized in polyurethane foam (PUF) was determined to compare with degradation by free cells. The degradation percentages of the pure compound by Pseudomonas sp. But1 and Pseudomonas sp. But2 were 100% and 96% within 24 hours at a concentration of 50 mg/L, respectively. Meanwhile, butachlor degradation in an Cantanil 550EC herbicide was completely after 30 hours. The determination of butachlor degradation by bacteria immobilized in PUF showed that degradation rates of immobilized Pseudomonas sp. But1 were more effective than those of Pseudomonas sp. But1. Even though degradation rates by immobilized bacteria were decreased after long-term storage of 90 days, Pseudomonas sp. But2 immobilized in PUF could be used to degrade butachlor in liquid media.