Microbial biocatalysts in the biocatalytic processes of the degradation of organophosphorus compounds

Abstract

A number of single microorganisms and microbial consortia, carrying out the destruction of organophosphorus compounds (OPC) by using their own enzymatic systems, were identified and investigated. They can use OPC as a source of nutrients such as carbon and/or phosphorus. The rate of OPC decomposition varies and depends mainly on environmental conditions (pH, temperature, availability of oxigen, etc.) and composition of native microbial community. The development of genetically modified organisms capable of degrading OPC, the immobilization of cells and the creation of artificial consortia are approaches that increase the efficiency of biodegradation of OPC.