The fungal strain LZM1 was isolated from activated sludge and found to be capable of utilizing nicosulfuron as the sole nitrogen source for growth. Based on morphological and internal transcribed spacer evaluations, LZM1 was identified as a Talaromyces flavus strain. Under optimum conditions (pH 6.1, 29 degrees C), T. flavus LZM1 degraded 100% of the initially added nicosulfuron (100 mg L-1) within 5 d. T. flavus LZM1 was also found to be highly efficient in degrading tribenuron methyl, chlorsulfuron, bensulfuron methyl, ethametsulfuron methyl, cinosulfuron, and rimsulfuron. Metabolites from nicosulfuron degradation were identified by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and a possible degradation pathway was deduced. These results show that T. flavus LZM1 may possess potential to be used in bioremediation of nicosulfuron-contaminated environments. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.