In the current investigation, bacterial strain Bacillus thuringiensis MB497 was examined for production of intracellular and extracellular organophosphorus phosphatase (OPP) enzymes. This strain produced significant amount of extracellular acidic and alkaline phosphatases. Production of neutral phosphatase was negligible. Production of OPP was generally highest at pH 11 and at 45-50 C. However, activity and stability of OPP was highest at 37 C and reduced at higher temperatures. OPP production was decreased after 48 h of incubation. Largely, OPP activity was inhibited by SDS and EDTA and significantly enhanced by metals (Zn þþ , Cu þþ and Cd þþ ). Both acidic and alkaline OPPs were capable of bio-precipitation of selected metals (Ni, Mn, Cr and Cd) up to 86-100%. When used against 50 mg/l of three OP pesticides (Chlorpyrifos, Triazophos, and Dimethoate), 81-94.6% degradation of pesticides was observed by alkaline OPP, while acidic OPP showed less degradation (61-70.5%) within 30 min of incubation.

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