Biodegradation of Reactive Red M8B by Bacterial Consortium SpNb1

The release of azo dyes into the environment is a concern due to coloration of natural waters and due to the toxicity, mutagenicity of dyes and their biotransformation products. Economical and bio-friendly approaches are needed to remediate dye contaminated waste water from various industries. In this study, a novel bacterial consortium SpNb1 capable of decolorizing RR M8B dye was isolated from the waste water treatment plant in Naroda G.I.D.C. Bacterial consortium SpNb1 was shown to decolorize different reactive, direct, disperse dyes within 7 - 24 hrs with colour removal range from 24.90 ±0.03 to 96.75 ± 0.04 %. The optimum condition for decolorization of RR M8B by SpNb1 was observed in static condition; dye concentration, 300 mgL^-1; pH, 7.5; inoculums size, 3% vv^-1; temperature, 37°C. Biodegradaded products of the dye were monitored by UV-visible, and HPTLC, FTIR spectroscopy. Decolorization study of simulated waste water containing reactive dye RR M8B has been studied by Down Flow Fixed Film Reactor with bacterial consortium SpNb1. The performance of the bioreactor was evaluated by monitoring pH, ORP, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), % of decolorization. The COD reduction and colour removal in the range of 72.07 to 82.22 % and 91.20 ± 0.05 to 97.82 ± 0.06 % respectively.