Isolation and Propagation of Methomyl-Degrading Bacteria from Pesticide-Polluted Land

Abstract

Methomyl is a widely used carbamate pesticide in horticulture, valued for its broad-spectrum insecticidal properties and rapid action. Despite its efficacy in pest control, methomyl poses significant environmental and human health risks due to its persistence in soil and toxicity to non-target organisms. Residual methomyl can contaminate soil and water bodies, leading to bioaccumulation in ecosystems and potential adverse effects on human health. This study aimed to isolate and identify indigenous bacteria from shallot farm soils in Central Java, Indonesia, capable of utilizing methomyl as a carbon and energy source, thereby facilitating its biodegradation. Soil samples from methomyl-treated fields were collected and subjected to enrichment culture techniques using Minimal Salt Medium with varying methomyl concentrations to select for resistant and metabolizing bacteria. Four distinct bacterial isolates (RW, RC, RY, and RR) were recovered, showing morphological diversity and varied growth responses to methomyl exposure. Among these, isolates RW and RC exhibited superior adaptability and growth performance, with the filamentous isolate RC demonstrating the highest growth potential, indicative of its robust methomyl degradation capacity. These findings emphasize the promising role of native soil bacterial communities in bioremediation strategies to mitigate pesticide pollution. Further research is warranted to elucidate the metabolic pathways involved, quantify degradation efficiency, and assess the practical application potential of these isolates in contaminated environments.