The present study was designed to screen 20 fungi for their potential to degrade the chlorinated organic pesticides endosulfan and chlorpyrifos. Fungi were first screened for their tolerance to various concentrations of target pesticides using soil extract agar and subsequent degradation studies were performed in soil extract broth containing 25 mg/L of the individual pesticide. Pesticide degradation was evaluated using gas chromatography. Other parameters, such as pH and mycelial weight, were also determined. Based on percent growth inhibition of test fungi and subsequent analysis of EC50 values, the overall results revealed that chlorpyrifos showed significantly more growth inhibition in all tested fungi compared with endosulfan. Trametes hirsuta showed complete degradation of both α‐ and β‐endosulfan isomers and Cladosporium cladosporioides displayed maximum degradation of chlorpyrifos. All test fungi degraded endosulfan more efficiently than chlorpyrifos, except Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trichoderma harzianum, and Trichoderma virens which showed higher degradation of chlorpyrifos than endosulfan. It was also found that all tested fungi degraded α‐endosulfan more efficiently than β‐endosulfan. Endosulfan sulfate was found to be the major degradation product with all tested fungi. Fungi which showed more endosulfan degradation also produced more endosulfan sulfate. However, less endosulfan sulfate was detected with T. hirsuta and Trametes versicolor, although they degraded endosulfan more efficiently.

Synthesis of Cu nanoparticle by Electro-Explosion of Wire (EEW) technique for immunosensing application.

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Pesticides play a vital role in modern farming in order to meet the needs of growing population. However, due to their toxic effects, pesticides cause a serious threat to public health. Pesticides when used excessively and carelessly cause social conflict, as most of the workers are intoxicated by these chemicals. These chemicals not only affect farmers and applicators but also adversely affect surrounding communities, flora and fauna. During the present decade, there is an increased awareness among the people regarding pesticide poisoning. The present chapter highlighted the adverse effect of pesticides on environment and on human health. This review helps to seek the attention of researchers, government, and non-government organizations on health issues that have been associated with the exposure of harmful chemical pesticides and encourage research on finding the new concept in modern agriculture involving a reduction in the use of chemical pesticides.

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