ISOLATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF THE DEGRADATION POTENTIAL OF 2,2-DICHLOROPROPIONATE (2,2-DCP) BY BACILLUS AMYLOLIQUEFACIENS FROM GEBENG

Most halogenated compounds such as α-halocarboxylic acid (αHCA) are potential carcinogens that are toxic and widely liberated in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. 2,2-dichloropropionate (2,2-DCP) is a synthetic halogenated compound commonly used in agricultural activities as an herbicide. This study is focused on the isolation and characterization of dehalogenase-producing bacteria capable of utilizing 2,2-dichloropropionate as the sole carbon and energy source from soil samples obtained from the industrial hub of Gebeng (Pahang), Malaysia. An enrichment culture technique supplemented with 2,2-DCP was used to isolate the bacteria. A pure culture strain designated as strain FDS grew well in media containing 20 mM 2,2-DCP at a temperature of 30˚C exhibiting a cell doubling time of 22.21hours and a maximum rate of chloride ion release of 0.345mmol/L suggesting this is the optimum concentration for growth. Based on microscopic observations, biochemical characteristics, and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, FDS was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens with 98% homology. A literature survey revealed no report regarding the role of B. amyloliquefaciens on pesticide biodegradation as well as on 2,2-DCP, therefore the current isolate was designated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FDS.