Microbial use for azo dye degradation-a strategy for dye bioremediation

Abstract

Azo dyes are aromatic compounds with one to many -N=N- groups as well as the leading class of synthetic dyes utilised in commercial solicitations. Azo dyes, released in the environment through textile effluents, have hazardous effects on the aquatic as well as human life. Their persistence and discharge into the environment are becoming a global concern; thus, the remediation of these contaminants has acquired great attention. The current review comprehensively discusses some of the main aspects of biodegradation of azo dyes. A variety of physicochemical approaches has already been utilised for treatment of textile effluents counting filtration, coagulation and chemical flocculation. Though these conventional techniques are effective, yet they are lavish and also comprise formation of concentrated sludge that makes a secondary disposal problem. In this regard, microbial usage is an effective, economical, bio-friendly and ecologically benign approach.

Keywords: Azo dyes; Bioremediation; Decolourisation; Degradation; Microorganisms.