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Tributyl phosphate (TBP) has enormous applications in the field of extraction, fuel reprocessing, as defoamers and/or plasticizers. Excessive usage of this organophosphorus compound, poses an environmental threat. The present study deals with microbial degradation of TBP using Klebsiella pneumoniae S3 isolated from the soil. Diauxic growth curve pattern explains a preferential utilization of TBP. The strain S3 was able to biotransform TBP (1,000 mg L⁻¹) to dibutyl phosphate within 48 h and showed higher tolerance towards TBP up to 17.0 g L⁻¹. Toxicity of the parent as well as degraded product was assessed using comet assay. Generation of reactive oxygen species elaborates the oxidative stress imposed upon the bacterial strain by TBP. The antioxidant defense mechanism was studied using various biomarkers namely catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase. The present study describes a faster and eco-friendly alternative for disposal of TBP.

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Alishewanella sp. strain KMK6 was able to degrade mixture of textile dyes (0.5-2.0 g l(-1)) within 8 h. An initial 28 % reduction in COD was observed immediately after decolorization at static anoxic conditions which on further incubation at shaking conditions reduced by 90 %. Partially purified azoreductase was able to utilize different azo dyes as substrates. The HPLC profile of dye degradation showed formation of metabolic products. Further FTIR analysis showed significant changes in the peaks corresponding to functional groups present in dye mixture and its degradation products. The genotoxicity assessment showed that the dye degradation products were non-toxic compared to dye mixture.