Isolation and application of a chlorpyrifos-degrading Bacillus licheniformis ZHU-1

A strain ZHU-1 capable of utilizing chlorpyrifos as the sole carbon sources and energy was isolated from soil. ZHU-1 was identified as Bacillus licheniformis based on analysis of morphology, physiological and biochemical characters and 16S rRNA. The addition of ZHU-1 to soil treated with chlorpyrifos resulted in a higher degradation rate than noninoculated soils, the degradation rate of chlorpyrifos (100 mg kg -1 ) could reach 99% or above after 14 days. The microbial manure added by strain ZHU-1 can be applied not only as fertilizer, but also in degrading chlorpyrifos residue in soil. This study may provide basis for prevention and control of pesticides pollution.