Isolation of malathion degrading chromogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from insecticide impregnated soils.

Soil samples from an insecticide contaminated site were processed for isolation of malathion degrading bacteria. Selective medium containing malathion as sole carbon source was used for this purpose. Four isolates were identified as through ribotyping Pseudomonas. The bacteria, yielded water soluble greenish pigment both in nutrient broth as well as in the select media in a growth responsive fashion. These strains can be used for bioremediation of malathion contaminated soils or waters and add to the microbial diversity being conserved by workers from yet polluted environments. Chromogenic nature of these malathion degrading bacteria can make their action visible in select applied sites.