The biodegradation of endosulfan and the metabolites formed were studied using fungi both in broth culture
as well as in soil microcosm. Fungal strains were isolated from soil and grown in broth Czapek-dox
medium. The strain which utilized endosulfan and showed maximum growth was selected for detailed
studies. Maximum degrading capability in shake flask culture was shown by Aspergillus sydoni which
degraded 95% of endosulfan a and 97% of endosulfan b in 18 d of incubation. Soil microcosm study
was also carried out using this strain in six different treatments. Endosulfan sulfate was the main metabolite
formed along with small quantity of endosulfan ether and endosulfan lactone both in broth culture
and soil microcosm. This isolated fungal strain will be a potential source for endosulfan degrading
enzymes and can be used for bioremediation at the contaminated sites