Rhodobacter sphaeroides possesses an extensive range of energy acquiring mechanisms including photosynthesis, lithotrophy, aerobic and anaerobic respiration. It can produce 5-aminolevulinic acid, CoQ10, carotenoids, hydrogen, etc. by fermentation. A Rhodobacter sphaeroides strain was isolated, designated as EBL0706, from soil. The degradation of dichlorvos (DDVP) by the Rhodobacter sphaeroides was investigated. 98% of DDVP could be degraded in water solution in 12 h when 5 x 10(8) CFU/mL Rhodobacter sphaeroides was added to 400 mg/L DDVP solution under pH 6.9-7.5 and 20-50 degrees C. This strain could also degrade the DDVP residues on Chinese cabbage leaves effectively.