A Pathbreaking research to detox soil

Many of the pesticides have been associated with health and environmental issues and our farmers are facing lots of health disorders due to the high usage of these pesticides in the farms. A biotechnologist S Sharmila Begum found a new bacterial strain formulation to degrade (detoxify) nearly 10 of the organophosphates and free the soil from the most hazardous chemicals.

The new bacterial strain will also conserve the environment imbalances and the drinking water from the agriculture Pollution. She found the new formulation after completion of over four years of restless study and succeeded.

Pesticide contamination in food and water bodies have been a major concern to EPAs (Environmental Protection Agencies). To overcome the hazardous effect the immediate resolution taken is to ban these chemicals. However, banning of pesticides is going to adversely affect economy and employment opportunities. Sharmila Begum started her research studies extensively and finally proved that her findings will arrest the adverse impact of the pesticides and save the soil, water and finally farmers.

There was organophosphate poisoning happening in the commercial farms. Factors that were significantly associated with the poisoning were lack of protective clothing and lack of knowledge of the triangle colour code for most dangerous agrochemicals. According to the biotechnology scientist, once the pesticides are used in the farms, the farmers should not enter the farms at least for 48 –hours.

Meanwhile, the farming labourers should wear separate masks and proper personal protective equipment as mitigation measures. More intensive health education and training of farm workers on the usage of agrochemicals is highly needed in the country. But, there is no single precaution being observed.

With this backdrop, Sharmila Begum selected the research work to find a solution under Environment Biotechnology. “Currently approved methods for detoxification of these OPs, are incineration, which are limited in attaining environment safety. These chemical based methods lead to release of harmful secondary gases into atmosphere.

To overcome these effects, the biological detoxification methods are part of ongoing research. This is based on unique property of bacteria to utilise organophosphate as nutrient. Such bacteria hasbeen reported from Philippines, Australia, China and US. The technology is not affordable to developing countries due to policy regulation, high cost of research and failure in field conditions. In such a scenario, to save our economy, agrochemical industry and protect environment from its hazardous effect, a formulation which can nullify the effect of OPs after it kills the pest has to be designed,” shares Sharmila.

“My research is to design a bacterial strain isolated from indigenous soil contaminated with organophosphates. This strain formulation can degrade (detoxify) nearly 10 of the organophosphate within a period of five days. Also, it can degrade phenols and can even tolerate high concentration of heavy metals, which are secondary pollutants in industrial and agricultural soil.

Use of such native formulation, is highly essential to relieve our soil from residual pesticide load and make food, pesticide free vegetables and fruits if are treated with its enzymes, in a contained environment. Professor A Arundhati guided me and also supported me in research,” Sharmila told ‘Aaprajita’ with pride. The Andhra University honoured Sharmila and presented PhD.