Increased degradation of acetochlor in soil by mixed culture of P. fluorescens KT3 and B. subtilis 2M6E

Abstract

The herbicide of acetochlor has been widely applied to control weeds in agricultural sector, but it is responsible for numerous environmental hazards. In the current study, we investigated the effects of the herbicide on bacteria and microfungi communities in soil. The research findings revealed that acetochlor used at 1.24 mg/kg inhibited the growth of both bacteria and microfungi. Moreover, the degradation half-life values were greater at higher acetochlor concentrations in soil, from 12.3 ± 1.2 days at the concentration of 1.0× to 24.5 ± 2.5 days at 2.0×. The augmentation of P. fluorescens KT3 and amendment with peat in soil increased the degradation rates. Besides, the cultivation of peanut enhanced degradation of the compound, and stimulated the growth of bacteria and microfungi. This study showed a process to enhance the remediation of acetochlor in soil by augmentation of P. fluorescens KT3 and cultivation of peanut.