Microbial Degradation: which statement best describes it?

• A. It Occurs When Soil Microbes Such as Bacteria or Fungi Use Pesticides as Part of Their Food
• B. It Occurs Only Through Chemical Reactions
• C. It Occurs Only in the Presence of Light
• D. Pesticides Are Never Degraded by Microbes

Answer: (B)

Microbial degradation is a biological, soil-based process in which living microorganisms—like bacteria and fungi—metabolize pesticides, using them as a source of energy and carbon. Enzymes produced by these microbes break down the pesticide molecules through metabolic pathways, often transforming them into smaller, less toxic compounds or mineralizing them to basic end products such as CO2 and water. This relies on active microbes and is influenced by soil conditions (moisture, temperature, pH), organic matter, and the broader microbial community. Light is not required, and many degradation processes occur in dark soil. Therefore, the best description is that soil microbes such as bacteria or fungi use pesticides as part of their food.