Microbial decolorization and degradation of synthetic dyes: a review

The synthesis of dyes and pigments used in textiles and other industries generate the hazardous wastes. A dye is used to impart color to materials of which it becomes an integral part. The waste generated during the process and operation of the dyes commonly found to contain the inorganic and organic contaminant leading to the hazard to ecosystem and biodiversity causing impact on the environment. The amount of azo dyes concentration present in wastewater varied from lower to higher concentration that lead to color dye effluent causing toxicity to biological ecosystem. The physico-chemical treatment does not remove the color and dye compound concentration. The decolorization of the dye takes place either by adsorption on the microbial biomass or biodegradation by the cells. Bioremediation takes place by anaerobic and/or aerobic process. The anaerobic process converts dye in toxic amino compounds which on further treatment with aerobic reaction convert the intermediate into CO₂ biomass and inorganics. In the present review the decolorization and degradation of azo dyes by fungi, algae, yeast and bacteria have been cited along with the anaerobic to aerobic treatment processes. The factors affecting decolorization and biodegradation of azo dye compounds such as pH, temperature, dye concentration, effects of CO₂ and Nitrogen, agitation, effect of dye structure, electron donor and enzymes involved in microbial decolorization of azo dyes have been discussed. This paper will have the application for the decolorization and degradation of azo dye compound into environmental friendly compounds.     

Biodecolorization of textile azo dyes by isolated yeast from activated sludge: Issatchenkia orientalis JKS6

An ascomycetous yeast strain isolated from activated sludge could decolorize Reactive Black 5 azo dye at 200 mg l^?1 up to 90 % within 12–18 h under agitated condition. Yeast decolorization ability was investigated at different RB5 concentrations and, at higher dye concentration, 500 mg l^?1, the decolorization was found to be 98 % after 36 h incubation time. Extensive decolorization (95–99 %) was obtained in presence of five other azo dyes, Reactive Orange 16, Reactive Red 198, Direct Blue 71, Direct Yellow 12, and Direct Black 22, by isolated yeast. HPLC analysis, UV–vis spectra and colorless biomass obtained after complete decolorization showed that the decolorization occured through a biodegradation mechanism. Decolorization was occurred during the exponential growth phase which is associated to primary metabolism. Laccase production by the yeast cells was not detected. The isolated yeast was characterized according to phenotypical and molecular procedures and was closely related (99 % identity) to Issatchenkia orientalis.     

Decolorization of textile azo dyes by newly isolated halophilic and halotolerant bacteria

Studies were carried out on the decolorization of textile azo dyes by newly isolated halophilic and halotolerant bacteria. Among the 27 strains of halophilic and halotolerant bacteria isolated from effluents of textile industries, three showed remarkable ability in decolorizing the widely utilized azo dyes. Phenotypic characterization and phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequence comparisons indicate that these strains belonged to the genus Halomonas. The three strains were able to decolorize azo dyes in a wide range of NaCl concentration (up to 20%w/v), temperature (25-40 degrees C), and pH (5-11) after 4 days of incubation in static culture. They could decolorize the mixture of dyes as well as pure dyes. These strains also readily grew in and decolorized the high concentrations of dye (5000 ppm) and could tolerate up to 10,000 ppm of the dye. UV-Vis analyses before and after decolorization and the colorless bacterial biomass after decolorization suggested that decolorization was due to biodegradation, rather than inactive surface adsorption. Analytical studies based on HPLC showed that the principal decolorization was reduction of the azo bond, followed by cleavage of the reduced bond.     

Decolorization of azo dye using PVA-immobilized microorganisms

A microbial consortium having a high capacity for rapid decolorization of azo dye (RED RBN) was immobilized by a phosphorylated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel. The immobilized-cell beads exhibited a color removal capability of 75%, even at a high concentration of RED RBN (500 mg l(-1)) within 12 h using flask culture. The continuous operation was conducted at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 5-20 h in which the dye loading rate ranged from 240 to 60 mg dye h(-1). A removal efficiency exceeding 90% was obtained at the HRT higher than 10 h. No recognizable destruction of bead appearance was observed in the 6-month operation. Examination of the mechanism of the decolorization process by cell beads indicated that it proceeded primarily by biological decolorization associated with partial adsorption of the dye onto the entrapped cells and gel matrix. Microscopic observation revealed that the microbial consortium contained in the gel beads was at least made up of three kinds of bacterial species. From the economical viewpoint, alternative cheaper nitrogen sources such as fish meal, soybean meal, pharmamedia and vita yeast powder were examined.     

Response surface methodology for optimization of medium for decolorization of textile dye Direct Black 22 by a novel bacterial consortium

Decolorization and degradation of polyazo dye Direct Black 22 was carried out by distillery spent wash degrading mixed bacterial consortium, DMC. Response surface methodology (RSM) involving a central composite design (CCD) in four factors was successfully employed for the study and optimization of decolorization process. The hyper activities and interactions between glucose concentration, yeast extract concentration, dye concentration and inoculum size on dye decolorization were investigated and modeled. Under optimized conditions the bacterial consortium was able to decolorize the dye almost completely (>91%) within 12h. Bacterial consortium was able to decolorize 10 different azo dyes. The optimum combination of the four variables predicted through RSM was confirmed through confirmatory experiments and hence this bacterial consortium holds potential for the treatment of industrial waste water. Dye degradation products obtained during the course of decolorization were analyzed by HPTLC.     

Isolation, identification and application of novel bacterial consortium TJ-1 for the decolourization of structurally different azo dyes

A novel bacterial consortium (TJ-1), which could decolorize Acid Orange 7 (AO7) and manyother azo dyes, was developed. In TJ-1 three bacterial strains were identified as Aeromonas caviae, Proteus mirabilis and Rhodococcus globerulus by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. AO7 decolorization was significantly higher with the use of consortium as compared to the use of individual strains, indicating complementary interactions among these strains. AO7 decolorization was observed under microaerophilic condition in the presence of organic carbon source. Either yeast extract (YE) alone or a combination of YE and glucose resulted in much higher decolorization of AO7 as compared to glucose alone, peptone or starch. Kinetic studies with different initial AO7 concentrations showed that more than 90% decolorization could be achieved even at 200mg/l within 16h. Fed-batch studies showed that AO7 decolorization required 10h during the first cycle and 5h in the second and third cycles, showing that bacterial cells could be used for multiple cycles. The consortium also decolorized fifteen other azo dyes individually as well as a simulated wastewater containing a mixture of all the sixteen azo dyes, thus, conferring the possibility of application of TJ-1 for the treatment of industrial wastewaters.     

嗜盐菌群对酸性金黄G的脱色特性和机理

【目的】为了获得能够在高盐环境下脱色偶氮染料的嗜盐菌群及其降解机理。【方法】采用富集驯化的方法获得一个嗜盐菌群,采用Illumina HiSeq2500测序平台对其群落结构进行测定;采用分光光度法测定了其降解特性;采用GC-MS和红外图谱分析了其降解机理;采用微核实验的方法比较了偶氮染料降解前后的毒性。【结果】该菌群在10%的盐度下,使100mg/L的酸性金黄G在8h内脱色。菌群主要由Zobellella、Rheinheimera、Exiguobacterium和Marinobacterium组成。最适宜的脱色条件是:pH=6,酵母粉为碳源,蛋白胨或硝酸钾作为氮源,盐度为1%–10%。酸性金黄G降解产物的毒性比降解前降低。酸性金黄G主要的降解产物是对氨基二苯胺和二苯胺。此外,该菌群还能使酸性大红GR和直接湖蓝5B等多种偶氮染料脱色,具有较好的脱色广谱性。【结论】获得了快速降解偶氮染料的嗜盐菌群及降解机理,为该嗜盐菌群应用于高盐印染废水的处理提供菌种资源和理论支持。     

Autocatalysis in Reactive Black 5 biodecolorization by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhodopseudomonas palustris</Emphasis> W1

Autocatalysis in biological decolorization of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) by Rhodopseudomonas palustris W1 was investigated in batch assays. An improvement of 1.5-fold in decolorization rate of RB5 was obtained by supplementing decolorization metabolites from 200 mg l(-1) RB5. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and cyclic voltammetric analysis revealed that the constituent of dye precursors, from azo bonds breakage, with quinone-like structure and reversible oxidation-reduction activity can be used as redox mediators and was responsible for the catalytic reduction of RB5. The required amount of metabolites for catalytic decolorization was quite small, indicating its possible application in real textile wastewater treatment. Furthermore, decolorization metabolites of RB5 were shown as effective in catalyzing anaerobic decolorization of Direct Yellow 11, an azo dye without autocatalyic activity.     

Accumulation of Acid Orange 7, Acid Red 18 and Reactive Black 5 by growing Schizophyllum commune

The effect of Acid Orange 7, Acid Red 18 and Reactive Black 5 on the growth and decolorization properties of Schizophyllum commune was studied with respect to the initial pH varying from 1 to 6 and initial dye concentration (10-100 mg/L). The optimum pH value was found to be 2 for both growth and color removal of these azo dyes. Increasing the concentration of azo dyes inhibited the growth of S. commune. It was observed that S. commune was capable of removing Acid Orange 7, Acid Red 18 and Reactive Black 5 with a maximum specific uptake capacity of 44.23, 127.53 and 180.17 (mg/g) respectively for an initial concentration of 100 mg/L of the dye. Higher decolorization was observed at lower concentrations for all the dyes. Finally it was found that the percentage decolorization was more in the case of Reactive Black 5 dye compared to the other two dyes used in the present investigation.     

中度嗜盐菌群对酸性大红GR的脱色性能研究

【目的】获得能够在高盐环境下脱色偶氮染料的高效脱色菌群,应用于印染废水的生物处理。【方法】采用在5%盐度培养基富集的方法,从印染废水的活性污泥中富集能够在5%盐度下脱色酸性大红GR的嗜盐混合菌群,利用高通量测序方法研究其群落结构,利用静置培养的方法研究其脱色性能。【结果】该菌群可以在5%盐度、静置培养下15 h内将100 mg/L的酸性大红GR几乎完全脱色,主要由Halomonas、Salinicoccus、Nitratireductor和Aequorivita等4个属组成,Halomonas是主要的脱色菌。高浓度的Na NO_3、Na_2SO_4和Na Cl抑制菌群的脱色,其中Na NO_3抑制作用最强。该菌群的最佳脱色条件是在p H 7.0、盐度5%、30°C脱色效果最好,可脱色直接耐黑G和分散深蓝S-3BG等偶氮染料,并且具有连续脱色的能力。【结论】嗜盐菌群在处理偶氮染料废水中具有良好的应用价值。     

Decolorization of diazo dye Direct Red 81 by a novel bacterial consortium

Summary Samples collected from various effluent-contaminated soils in the vicinities of dyestuff manufacturing units of Ahmedabad, India, were studied for screening and isolation of organisms capable of decolorizing textile dyes. A novel bacterial consortium was selected on the basis of rapid decolorization of Direct Red 81 (DR 81), which was used as model dye. The bacterial consortium exhibited 90% decolorization ability within 35 h. Maximum rate of decolorization was observed when starch (0.6 g l⁻¹) and casein (0.9 g l⁻¹) were supplemented in the medium. Decolorization of DR 81 was monitored by high performance thin layer chromatography, which indicated that dye decolorization was due to its degradation into unidentified intermediates. The optimum dye-decolorizing activity of the culture was observed at pH 7.0 and incubation temperature of 37 °C. Maximum dye-decolorizing efficiency was observed at 200 mg l⁻¹ concentration of DR 81. The bacterial consortium had an ability to decolorize nine other structurally different azo dyes.     

Azo dyes decolorization under high alkalinity and salinity conditions by Halomonas sp. in batch and packed bed reactor

Biodecolorization and biodegradation of azo dyes are a challenge due to their recalcitrance and the characteristics of textile effluents. This study presents the use of Halomonas sp. in the decolorization of azo dyes Reactive Black 5 (RB5), Remazol Brilliant Violet 5R (RV5), and Reactive Orange 16 (RO16) under high alkalinity and salinity conditions. Firstly, the effect of air supply, pH, salinity and dye concentration was evaluated. Halomonas sp. was able to remove above 84% of all dyes in a wide range of pH (6–11) and salt concentrations (2–10%). The decolorization efficiency of RB5, RV5, and RO16 was found to be ≥ 90% after 24, 13 and 3 h, respectively, at 50 mg L⁻¹ of dyes. The process was monitored by HPLC-DAD, finding a reduction of dyes along the time. Further, Halomonas sp. was immobilized in volcanic rocks and used in a packed bed reactor for 72 days, achieving a removal rate of 3.48, 5.73, and 8.52 mg L⁻¹ h⁻¹, for RB5, RV5 and RO16, respectively, at 11.8 h. The study has confirmed the potential of Halomonas sp. to decolorize azo dyes under high salinity and alkalinity conditions and opened a scope for future research in the treatment of textile effluents.

     

氧气对混合菌群脱色降解偶氮染料效果的影响

【背景】偶氮染料及其中间产物具有一定的环境毒性,利用混合菌群降解偶氮染料是一种环境友好型方法,但降解过程中氧气的存在起到至关重要的作用,可以促进或抑制偶氮染料的微生物降解作用。【目的】探讨氧气对偶氮染料微生物脱色液的影响,分析氧气对混合菌群脱色降解偶氮染料效果的影响。【方法】利用混合菌群DDMY1在3种培养条件(好氧、厌氧、兼氧)下,对7种偶氮染料进行脱色降解,探讨偶氮染料脱色液对氧气的响应情况,利用紫外可见分光光度法(ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry,UV-vis)和傅里叶变换红外光谱法(Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,FTIR)对脱色产物进行分析。【结果】在兼氧和厌氧条件下反应48 h后的染料脱色液,与氧气充分接触后,部分偶氮染料微生物脱色液发生较为明显的复色现象,如活性黑5、直接黑38;UV-vis分析结果表明,这种复色现象是由于脱色液与氧气接触之后产生新物质所致;FTIR分析结果表明,混合菌群对发生复色反应的偶氮染料仍然具有一定脱色降解效果,但是脱色尚不够完全。【结论】兼氧和厌氧条件下,氧气对部分偶氮染料微生物脱色液具有较为明显的影响,从而影响混合菌群对偶氮染料的整体脱色效果,这可为今后研究偶氮染料彻底生物降解提供理论基础。     

Decolorization and biodegradation of reactive dyes and dye wastewater by a developed bacterial consortium

A bacterial consortium (consortium GR) consisting of Proteus vulgaris NCIM-2027 and Micrococcus glutamicus NCIM-2168 could rapidly decolorize and degrade commonly-used sulfonated reactive dye Green HE4BD and many other reactive dyes. Consortium GR shows markedly higher decolorization activity than that of the individual strains. The preferable physicochemical parameters were identified to achieve higher dye degradation and decolorization efficiency. The supplementation of cheap co-substrates (e.g., extracts of agricultural wastes) could enhance the decolorization performance of consortium GR. Extent of mineralization was determined with TOC and COD measurements, showing nearly complete mineralization of Green HE4BD by consortium GR (up to 90% TOC and COD reduction) within 24 h. Oxidoreductive enzymes seemed to be involved in fast decolorization/degradation process with the evidence of enzymes induction in the bacterial consortium. Phytotoxicity and microbial toxicity studies confirm that the biodegraded products of Green HE4BD by consortium GR are non-toxic. Consortium GR also shows significant biodegradation and decolorization activities for mixture of reactive dyes as well as the effluent from actual dye manufacturing industry. This confers the possibility of applying consortium GR for the treatment of industrial wastewaters containing dye pollutants.     

藜芦醇和吐温80对白腐菌产木质素降解酶的影响及在偶氮染料脱色中的作用

担子菌PM2在限氮液体培养下,分泌木质素过氧化物酶和锰过氧化物酶;藜芦醇、吐温 80的补充,提高了该菌锰过氧化物酶的产生,获得的最大锰过氧化物酶Mnp酶活为254.2u/L、190.2 u/L,分别是对照的3.4倍和2.5倍。选择三种偶氮染料,在染料体系下,进一步分析藜芦醇、吐温 80对担子菌PM2产过氧化物酶及染料脱色的影响。结果表明,担子菌PM2分泌的锰过氧化物酶Mnp与染料脱色有关,脱色程度受其分子结构特征影响;吐温80的补充,更有利于染料的脱色降解,48h后三种染料均可达到80%以上的脱色率。     

Stock dynamics of Cleisthenes herzensteini in the central and southern Yellow Sea

Anthropogenic activities and environmental changes have had a significant effect on the fishery ecosystem, biological characteristics, and population dynamics of marine fishes. Overfishing threatens the sustainability of many populations. We evaluated changes in the biological characteristics, distribution, and abundance of Cleisthenes herzensteini using bottom trawl survey data collected from 1985 to 2010 in the central and southern Yellow Sea. The dominant body length of C. herzensteini during spring was 80–160 mm in 1986, 60–160 mm in 1998, and 41–80 mm and 111–170 mm in 2010. During summer, the dominant body length was 80–180 mm and 130–169 mm in 2000 and 2007, respectively. During autumn, the dominant body length was 60–160 mm, 100–180 mm, and 90–149 mm in 1985, 2000, and 2009, respectively. During winter, the dominant body length was 80–200 mm, 120–220 mm, and 100–200 mm in 1985, 1999, and 2010, respectively. The dominant body length decreased gradually from 1985 to 2010 (excluding spring, 2010), illustrating the “miniaturization” of the C. herzensteini population. Growth was significantly different between male and female individuals, with male individuals forming a “smaller-size type”. The sex ratio of C. herzensteini was relatively stable during spring and summer, but significantly different during autumn and winter. The diet of C. herzensteini also changed significantly from 1985 to 2010. During 1985–1986, the diet consisted primarily of Crangon affinis, Eualus sinensis and Gammaridae species. C. affinis, Engraulis japonicus, and Ammodytes personatus were dominant during 1998–2000, whereas C. affinis was the dominant prey species during 2009–2010. Thus, there was a clear decrease in dietary diversity, with a shift to benthos shrimp, particularly C. affinis, which accounted for 82.58% of the total diet (by weight) in 2010. The gastric vacuous rate also decreased in every season and the gonad developmental stage changed with each season. The distribution of C. herzensteini shifted northward and offshore and became more concentrated. The average catch per haul of C. herzensteini decreased in spring and autumn. The average catch per haul ranged from 1.44 kg h^-1 to 0.14 kg h^-1 in spring and the percentage by weight ranged from 6.53% to 1.28%. The average catch per haul ranged from 3.03 kg h^-1 to 0.26 kg h^-1 in autumn and the percentage by weight ranged from 8.00% to 0.60%. The average catch per haul increased significantly during summer, ranging from 0.18 kg h^-1 to 0.58 kg h^-1, with a percentage by weight of 0.03–0.80%. The average catch per haul was relatively stable in winter (around 1.00 kg h^-1), but the percentage by weight gradually increased during 1985–2010. Taken together, our results suggested that the population structure, diet composition, and distribution of C. herzensteini had been altered during the last three decades. To address this, it is essential to initiate measures to conserve the C. herzensteini resource.     

Root mass distribution patterns under standardised conditions in species of Chionochloa and Festuca from New Zealand

The vertical biomass allocation patterns of roots grown under standardised conditions were determined for species representing the major New Zealand indigenous grass genera Chionochloa and Festuca. Ten ramets, each of 2–3 tillers from garden collections of each species were grown in irrigated vertical sand columns in a glasshouse, and harvested after 168 days. Chionochloa teretifolia, Chionochloa macra, and Chionochloa crassiusucula, characteristic of alpine environments failed to produce new roots and died. However, most of the Chionochloa taxa (Chionochloa beddiei, Chionochloa pallens, Chionochloa rigida ssp. rigida, Chionochloa rubra ssp. cuprea, Chionochloa vireta), developed extensive new roots that reached the base of the one metre sand column. Roots of Chionochloa cheesemanii and Chionochloa conspicua reached 80–90 cm depth. Two Festuca taxa (Festuca actae, Festuca luciarum) had roots to 1 m depth, and roots of Festuca coxii, Festuca matthewsii ssp. latifundii, Festuca matthewsii ssp. matthewsii, Festuca multinodis, and Festuca novae-zelandiae grew to 70–90 cm depth. The edaphic specialists (Festuca deflexa, Chionochloa spiralis, Chionochloa defracta) were all shallow rooting.Species of Festuca maintained at least 40% of the root mass in the upper 10 cm of the column and most of the Chionochloa taxa had less than 40% of root mass in the upper zone. Genotype level variation in root mass less than 10 cm deep was greater in Chionochloa than in Festuca, and least in the edaphic specialist grasses.     

Structural Insights into 2,2′-Azino-Bis(3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid) (ABTS)-Mediated Degradation of Reactive Blue 21 by Engineered Cyathus bulleri Laccase and Characterization of Degradation Products

Advanced oxidation processes are currently used for the treatment of different reactive dyes which involve use of toxic catalysts. Peroxidases are reported to be effective on such dyes and require hydrogen peroxide and/or metal ions. Cyathus bulleri laccase, expressed in Pichia pastoris, catalyzes efficient degradation (78 to 85%) of reactive azo dyes (reactive black 5, reactive orange 16, and reactive red 198) in the presence of synthetic mediator ABTS [2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)]. This laccase was engineered to degrade effectively reactive blue 21 (RB21), a phthalocyanine dye reported to be decolorized only by peroxidases. The 816-bp segment (toward the C terminus) of the lcc gene was subjected to random mutagenesis and enzyme variants (Lcc35, Lcc61, and Lcc62) were selected based on increased ABTS oxidizing ability. Around 78 to 95% decolorization of RB21 was observed with the ABTS-supplemented Lcc variants in 30 min. Analysis of the degradation products by mass spectrometry indicated the formation of several low-molecular-weight compounds. Mapping the mutations on the modeled structure implicated residues both near and far from the T1 Cu site that affected the catalytic efficiency of the mutant enzymes on ABTS and, in turn, the rate of oxidation of RB21. Several inactive clones were also mapped. The importance of geometry as well as electronic changes on the reactivity of laccases was indicated.     

Special traits of decomposition of azo dyes by anaerobic microbial communities

We present the results of an investigation into the special traits of conversion of azo dyes Acid Orange 6, Acid Orange 7, Methyl Orange, and Methyl Red under anaerobic conditions in comparison to aerobic conditions. In the presence of oxygen, only Methyl Red underwent decomposition, while under oxygen-free conditions, all remaining substances were fully decolourised under the action of a methanogenous consortium of microorganisms. The products of reduction of the azo bond are determined in the case of each dye. Introduction of additional acceptors of electrons (sulfate and nitrate) had a negative influence on the discoloration of azo dyes. Addition of ethanol as an available organic cosubstrate accelerated decomposition of azo dyes both under methanogenous and sulfate- and nitrate-reducing conditions. There is no direct correlation between the rates of conversion of azo dyes under anaerobic conditions or their toxicity to acetoclastic methanogens. Changes in the morphological composition of the community decolouring an azo dye depended on the duration of its impact on microorganisms. The mechanism of the reduction of the azo bond under the action of substances acting as mediators is explained. These substances are products of the metabolism of the microbial community in anaerobic conditions. It is shown that the supposed mediators NADH and sulfide efficiently decolourise azo dyes in a cell-free system, while riboflavin significantly increased the rate of conversion of substrates in recurrent cycles of discoloration only in the presence of an anaerobic microbial consortium.     

Decolorization of azo dyes by Shewanella sp. under saline conditions

Wastewaters from textile processing and dye-stuff manufacture industries contain substantial amounts of salts in addition to azo dye residues. To examine salinity effects on dye-degrading bacteria, a study was carried out with four azo dyes in the presence of varying concentrations of NaCl (0-100 g l(-1)) with a previously isolated bacterium, Shewanella putrefaciens strain AS96. Under static, low oxygen conditions, the bacterium decolorized 100 mg dye l(-1) at salt concentrations up to 60 g NaCl l(-1). There was an inverse relationship between the velocity of the decolorization reaction and salt concentration over the range between 5 and 60 g NaCl l(-1) and at dye concentrations between 100 and 500 mg l(-1). The addition of either glucose (C source) or NH(4)NO(3) (N source) to the medium strongly inhibited the decolorization process, while yeast extract (4 g l(-1)) and Ca(H(2)PO(4))(2).H(2)O (1 g l(-1)) both enhanced decolorization rates. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis demonstrated the presence of 1-amino-2-naphthol, sulfanilic acid and nitroaniline as the major metabolic products of the azo dyes, which could be further degraded by a shift to aerobic conditions. These findings show that Shewanella could be effective for the treatment of dye-containing industrial effluents containing high concentrations of salt.