Sponge-Associated Bacterium, Yangia pacifica :A Potential Candidate for Bioremediation of Azo Dyes

The bioremediation potential of bacteria associated with the sponge Cinachyrella cavernosa on azo dyes, Amido black and Congo red is reported. Twenty four percent of the bacteria decolourized these dyes at 50 mg l^–1 concentration. The isolate, Yangia pacifica, which showed higher tolerance and decolourization potential, was subjected to detailed studies. The strain showed >70% decolourization on day 3 and >96% on day 7. Decolourization was dependent on growth, medium, pH, temperature and dye concentration. Although decolourization reduced the toxicity of both dyes, the mechanism leading to decolourization of the two dyes was different.