ABSTRACT
Biodegradation is a natural process which involves the degradation of pesticides by microorganisms. Pesticides are chemicals which are used to eliminate or control the pests causing diseases, to improve crop productivity. The degradation rates of pesticides greatly vary among themselves. Some pesticides may be recalcitrant remaining for a very long time in the environment making their entry into the food chain decades after their application. Whereas, some pesticides like organophosphates readily undergo biodegradation making them more preferable than recalcitrant organochlorine compounds. Biodegradation of pesticides is a cost effective, eco-friendly, minimally hazardous and efficient method (Finley et al., 2010). It involves the complete mineralization of pesticides without the generation of any toxic intermediates. Nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria are common in paddy fields where they contribute to soil fertility. They also play an important role in the biodegradation of pesticides.
