Cyanogenic toxic compounds are found in the environment because of pollution, natural synthesis by some plants, microorganisms and by some industrial effluents. The biodegradation of these cyanide containing compounds prevailing in the environment was studied by using the isolated strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Linamarin, one of the cyanogenic glycoside present in the leaves and roots of Cassava crop was extracted, mixed with the suitable medium and incubated with the test organisms for degradation. Results revealed that the Pseudomonas fluorescens alone has the ability to degrade the cyanogenic compound in cassava leaves. The degradation was confirmed by the color change of alkaline picrate paper and the release of ammonia. Also the experiment was carried out at different pH and temperature to determine the optimal conditions for the efficient biodegradation.
Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Cassava crop Cyanogen, Linamarin
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