Panjab University Patents New Malathion Biodegradation Technology
Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh has received a patent for a new biodegradation technology that offers a safe and effective way to break down the harmful pesticide malathion, subsequently helping to lower toxic residues in soil, crops and water bodies. It may also reduce risks linked to human exposure and support safer farming practices by restoring soil quality.
The technology could be used in agriculture, wastewater treatment, food safety and larger environmental clean-up tasks. It has potential for scale-up and industrial use due to its stability and reusability.
The patented work, developed by Dr Deepak Kumar Rahi from the Department of Microbiology and his co-inventor, Dr Aruna Singh Parmar, is titled as Immobilised Fungal Enzyme for Use as Biodegrading Agent of Organophosphorus Insecticide (Malathion).
