Abstract

In this study, Bacillus sp. strain AVPP64 was isolated from diuron-contaminated soil. It showed 4-nitroaniline (4 NA) degradation, pesticide tolerance, and self-nutrient integration via nitrogen (N)-fixation and phosphate (P)solubilization. The rate constant (k) and half-life period (t(1/2)) of 4-NA degradation in the aqueous medium inoculated with strain AVPP64 were observed to be 0.445 d-1 and 1.55 d, respectively. Nevertheless, in the presence of chlorpyrifos, profenofos, atrazine and diuron pesticides, strain AVPP64 degraded 4-NA with t(1/2) values of 2.55 d, 2.26 d, 2.31 d and 3.54 d, respectively. The strain AVPP64 fixed 140 mu g mL(-1) of N and solubilized 103 mu g mL(-1) of P during the presence of 4-NA. In addition, strain AVPP64 produced significant amounts of plant growth-promoting metabolites like indole 3-acetic acid, siderophores, exo-polysaccharides and ammonia. In the presence of 4-NA and various pesticides, strain AVPP64 greatly increased the growth and biomass of Vigna radiata and Crotalaria juncea plants. These results revealed that Bacillus sp. strain AVPP64 can be used as an inoculum for bioremediation of 4-NA contaminated soil and sustainable crop production even when pesticides are present.