Title : Characterization of isolated glyphosate degrading bacteria in Sebkhet Sefioune -Ouargla (South-East Algeria)

Abstract:

The aim of this work is the isolation and identification of certain bacterial strains that have an ability to degrade glyphosate (Roundup), a herbicide of the organophosphate family, in the waters of Sebkhet Sefioune in the wilaya of Ouargla commune of Ngoussa. The samples of treated wastewater, present a pH between 7.32 and 7.46 is an alkaline water, and an electrical conductivity between 7.44 to 10.04 ds/m reflecting an extremely salty water. These characteristics have certainly favored the development of a specific bacterial microflora. Microbial analysis of these samples revealed the presence of seven strains isolated and identified by API 20E, affiliated to the genera Serratia, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus and Erwinia. These bacterial genera show variability in their growth kinetics indicating significant growth in the presence of glyphosate. In this context, bacteria can use the tested pesticide as the only source of carbon and energy, and thus contribute to a possible application in depollution and bioremediation.