Abstract

A novel method of dimethoate degradation using the fungus Aspergillus niger wasproposed. In addition, calcium phosphate was obtained as a byproduct from the organophosphate pesticide by inductive synthesis. The method involves culturing A. nigerin a modified Czapek liquid medium with glass powder, CaCl₂, and dimethoate. Gas chromatography was subsequently used to analyze the degradation effect of A. niger on the dimethoate and X-ray diffraction was used to identify the components of the mineral particles wrapped in mycelial pellets. The results indicate that A. niger can effectively degrade the pesticide in the modified Czapek medium and, under the conditions used, induce the formation of calcium phosphate from the phosphorus released in the degradation products and the calcium ions available in the liquid medium. The research highlights the microbial degradation of organophosphate pesticides and the inductive synthesis of bio-mineralization. Thus, a new technology for environmental bio-remediationwas proposed.

Key words: Aspergillus niger, organophosphate pesticides, dimethoate, degradation, calcium phosphate, bio-mineralization.