THE IMPACT OF PESTICIDES ON SOIL MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES: A METAGENOMIC AND RECLAMATION STUDY ABSTRACT

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Nidhi Popat; Kiran Desmukh

THE IMPACT OF PESTICIDES ON SOIL MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES: A METAGENOMIC AND RECLAMATION STUDY ABSTRACT

Authors: Nidhi Popat, Kiran Desmukh

Unique Paper ID: 183640
Volume: 12
Issue: 3
PageNo: 2412-2418

Keywords: Soil microbial communities; Pesticides; Metagenomics; Bioremediation; Soil fertility; Microbial diversity; CFU counts; Enzyme assays

Abstract:
Background: Soil microbial communities are fundamental to nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and overall soil health. However, intensive pesticide usage disrupts these communities, leading to reduced biodiversity and ecological imbalances. Metagenomic approaches enable comprehensive insights into shifts in microbial composition and functional potential. This study investigates the effects of pesticide application on soil microbial diversity, pesticide residue degradation, soil fertility, and microbial abundances (including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi). It also explores a reclamation strategy involving both specialized microbial inoculants and the enumeration of pesticide-degrading taxa. Methods: Soil samples were collected from plots subjected to various pesticide treatments and from untreated controls. We performed colony-forming unit (CFU) counts of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, aerobic bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and ITS regions characterized bacterial and fungal diversity, respectively. Pesticide residues and their degradation rates were analyzed through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Soil fertility indicators (pH, organic matter, nutrient levels) and enzyme activities (urease, dehydrogenase, phosphatase) were measured both before reclamation and after various treatments. Metagenomic data were examined to predict functional genes, particularly those linked to pesticide degradation pathways. A reclamation approach using isolated microbial consortia (including pesticide-degrading bacteria and fungi) was evaluated to enhance degradation and restore soil health. Results: Pesticide applications significantly decreased Shannon diversity indices and altered community composition. CFU counts of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, actinomycetes, and total fungi declined in pesticide-treated soils. However, reclamation treatments boosted these microbial populations and improved soil enzyme activities relative to high pesticide plots. Several microbial taxa (e.g., Pseudomonas, Bacillus) were abundant in reclamation treatments and demonstrated enhanced degradation potential. Metagenomic analysis revealed an upregulation of genes associated with xenobiotic degradation pathways in inoculated plots. Soil enzyme activities, nutrient levels, and microbial CFUs partially recovered, indicating improved soil fertility and reduced toxicity. Conclusion: Pesticide usage exerts substantial effects on soil microbial diversity, function, and the abundance of key functional groups. The application of targeted microbial consortia effectively mitigates these impacts by accelerating pesticide degradation and reinstating soil health. Metagenomic approaches—alongside classical enumeration and enzyme assays—are vital for guiding and monitoring reclamation strategies, suggesting a promising route for sustainable soil management.

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ISSN: 2349-6002
Volume: 12
Issue: 3
PageNo: 2412-2418

THE IMPACT OF PESTICIDES ON SOIL MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES: A METAGENOMIC AND RECLAMATION STUDY ABSTRACT

Available:https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=183640

Impact Factor
8.01 (Year 2024)

UGC Approved
Journal no 47859

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