Screening and Identification of Potential Dye-Degrading Bacteria from Maa Garment Effluen

Abstract

The textile industry is a major contributor to water pollution, releasing effluents containing 10% - 15% unused dyes. These, dyes are resistant to biodegradation because their complex aromatic structures pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study aimed to isolate, screen, and identify potential dye-degrading bacteria from the effluents of the Maa Garment and Textile Factory. Physicochemical parameters, including pH, temperature, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD), were analyzed. Bacterial isolates were cultivated in dyecontaining media, and their decolorization efficiency was evaluated using spectrophotometry under varying conditions: temperatures (25°C, 30°C, 37°C, and 40°C), pH levels (5, 7, and 9), and dye concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mg/L). The collected samples exhibited pH levels ranging from 7.2 to 7.5 and the temperature varied significantly, with one sample reaching 38°C. A total of 16 bacterial isolates were screened for their decolorization capabilities under varying conditions of temperature, pH, and dye concentration. The results indicated that optimal decolorization occurred at 37°C and pH 7, particularly at a dye concentration of 50 mg/L. Under these conditions, the Pseudomonas aeruginosae isolates H5P, C2P, and C4P achieved 90% decolorization of reactive dyes. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) among all environmental factors tested. These findings suggest that the isolated bacterial strains have considerable potential for the bioremediation of textile wastewater. This biological approach represents an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional treatment methods. Further field trials and studies involving a broader range of dyes are recommended to validate their application in real-world wastewater treatment systems