Bioremediation of lindane-contaminated soil by Streptomyces sp. M7 and its effects on Zea mays growth

BENIMELI, CLAUDIA S.; FUENTES, MARÍA S.; ABATE, CARLOS M.; AMOROSO, MARÍA J.

INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION

Elsevier

Año: 2008 vol. 61 p. 233 - 239

0964-8305

The objective of the present study was to study the lindane bioremediation abilities of Streptomyces sp M7 in soil samples and to know the pesticide effects on maize plants seeded in lindane contaminated soil previously inoculated with Streptomyces sp M7. When different initial pesticide concentrations (100, 150, 200 y 300 mg Kg-1) were added to sterile soil, the microbial growth observed was similar to the control without lindane. A decrease of the residual lindane concentration was detected in soils samples in relation to the abiotic controls (29.1; 78.03; 38.81 y 14.42% respectively). The optimum Streptomyces sp M7 inoculum was selected in sterile soil spiked with lindane 100 mg Kg-1soil; it was 2 g Kg-1 soil for obtaining the most efficiently bioremediation process (56% removal). Lindane concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 µg Kg-1 soil did not affect the germination and vigor index of maize plants seeded in contaminated soils without Streptomyces sp M7. When this microorganism was inoculated at the same conditions a better vigor index was observed and a 68% of lindane removal. These results confirm the lindane-contaminated soil bioremediation potential of Streptomyces sp M7. Key words: Streptomyces, Lindane, Organochlorine pesticides, Bioremediation, Soil, Vigour index.