Abstract:
Microbes in the soil can be used to detoxify and breakdown the pesticides in the
environment. This study was carried out to isolate and characterize Carbaryl
degrading bacteria from soil sample. The sampling was conducted at the tobacco farm
at Merang, Terengganu. In order to isolate the bacteria species, serial dilution
technique and spread plate onto nutrient agar method were done. As a result, two
bacterial isolates have been selected for further study due to its ability to degrade
Carbaryl in Minimal Salt Medium containing Carbaryl as carbon and nitrogen sources.
The degradation of CarbaryI by both isolates was determined using spectrophotometer
(00600nm) and bacterial colony count methods. These two isolated bacteria were
named as Isolate 1 (Gram negative-rod species) and Isolate 2 (Gram negative
diplococci species). From the result, Isolate 1 more rapidly to degrade Carbary! than
Isolate 2 within 6 days.Based on biochemical tests and BBL Crystal Identification Kit
test, Isolates I was identified as Enterobacter sakazaki. These isolates can be
manipulated further to produce potential pesticide-degrader to meet the industrial
needs.
