In situ chlorpyrifos (CPF) degradation by Acrobeloides maximus: Insights from chromatographic analysis

•Pesticide degradation studies using nematodes indicate their great application potential as a tool to reduce pesticide contamination in soils.•A. maximus displays rapid CPF degradation, as evidenced by a range of chromatographic techniques, including, HPTLC, FTIR, and LC-MS, leading to the formation of harmless byproducts.•Immobilization of nematodes in beads offers reutilization potential, extending its applicability to various research areas like wastewater treatment and bioremediation.•Standardizing cultivation, immobilization techniques, for a broader range of nematode species is crucial, leveraging their unique properties for wider environmental applications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of nematodes in zooremediation of chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphate pesticide. The nematode population Acrobeloides maximus (A. maximus) was employed for bioremediation, converting CPF into non-toxic residues. Optimal growth conditions for mass production of A. maximus were achieved by maintaining a temperature of 25 °C, pH 8, and supplementing the culture medium with plant nutrients. The nematodes were then immobilized within sodium alginate beads. The efficacy of the degradation process was assessed using various analytical techniques, including UV-Visible spectroscopy, HPTLC, FTIR, and LC-MS, confirming the successful breakdown of CPF. The bioreactor demonstrated a complete degradation efficiency of CPF exceeding 99%. Additionally, LC-MS analysis was conducted to elucidate the degradation pathway based on the formation of intermediates. These results underscore the potential of A. maximus as a sustainable organism for addressing environmental contamination arising from CPF pesticide.