Decolorization of azo dyes by marine Shewanella strains under saline conditions

Azo dye decolorization was studied with Shewanella strains under saline conditions. Growing cells of Shewanella algae and Shewanella marisflavi isolated from marine environments demonstrated better azo dye decolorization capacities than the other three strains from non-saline sources. Cell suspensions of S. algae and S. marisflavi could decolorize single or mixed azo dyes with different structures. Decolorization kinetics were described with Michaelis–Menton equation, which indicated better decolorization performance of S. algae over S. marisflavi. Lactate and formate were identified as efficient electron donors for amaranth decolorization by the two strains. S. algae and S. marisflavi could decolorize amaranth at up to 100 g?L^?1 NaCl or Na₂SO₄. However, extremely low concentration of NaNO₃ exerted strong inhibition on decolorization. Both strains could remove the color and COD of textile effluent during sequential anaerobic–aerobic incubation. Lower concentrations of NaCl (20–30 g?L^?1) stimulated the activities of azoreductase, laccase, and NADH-DCIP reductase. The decolorization intermediates were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Decolorization metabolites of amaranth were less toxic than original dye. These findings improved our knowledge of azo-dye-decolorizing Shewanella species and provided efficient candidates for the treatment of dye-polluted saline wastewaters.     

Fed-Batch Cultivation of Arthrospira platensis Using Carbon Dioxide from Alcoholic Fermentation and Urea as Carbon and Nitrogen Sources

To reduce CO₂ emissions from alcoholic fermentation, Arthrospira platensis was cultivated in tubular photobioreactor using either urea or nitrate as nitrogen sources at different light intensities (60 μmol m^?2 s^?1?≤?I?≤?240 μmol m^?2 s^?1). The type of carbon source (pure CO₂ or CO₂ from fermentation) did not show any appreciable influence on the main cultivation parameters, whereas substitution of nitrate for urea increased the nitrogen-to-cell conversion factor (Y _X/N ), and the maximum cell concentration (X _m ) and productivity (P _X ) increased with I. As a result, the best performance using gaseous emissions from alcoholic fermentation (X _m ?=?2,960?±?35 g m^?3, P _X ?=?425?±?5.9 g m^?3 day^?1 and Y _X/N ?=?15?±?0.2 g g^?1) was obtained at I?=?120 μmol m^?2 s^?1 using urea as nitrogen source. The results obtained in this work demonstrate that the combined use of effluents rich in urea and carbon dioxide could be exploited in large-scale cyanobacteria cultivations to reduce not only the production costs of these photosynthetic microorganisms but also the environmental impact associated to the release of greenhouse emissions.     

Aerobic biodegradation of Azo dye by Bacillus cohnii MTCC 3616; an obligately alkaliphilic bacterium and toxicity evaluation of metabolites by different bioassay systems

An obligate alkaliphilic bacterium Bacillus cohnii MTCC 3616 aerobically decolorized a textile azo dye Direct Red-22 (5,000 mg?l^?1) with 95 % efficiency at 37 °C and pH?9 in 4 h under static conditions. The decolorization of Direct Red-22 (DR-22) was possible through a broad pH (7–11), temperature (10–45 °C), salinity (1–7 %), and dye concentration (5–10 g?l^?1) range. Decolorization of dye was assessed by UV–vis spectrophotometer with reduction of peak intensity at 549 nm (λ _max). Biodegradation of dye was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The FTIR spectrum revealed that B. cohnii specifically targeted azo bond (N=N) at 1,614.42 cm^?1 to break down Direct Red-22. Formation of metabolites with different retention times in HPLC analysis further confirmed the degradation of dye. The phytotoxicity test with 5,000 mg?l^?1 of untreated dye showed 80 % germination inhibition in Vigna mungo, 70 % in Sorghum bicolor and 80 % in Vigna radiata. No germination inhibition was noticed in all three plants by DR-22 metabolites at 5,000 mg?l^?1. Biotoxicity test with Artemia salina proved the lethality of the azo dye at LC₅₀ of 4 and 8 % for degraded metabolites by causing death of its nauplii compared to its less toxic-degraded metabolites. Bioaccumulation of dye was observed in the mid-gut of A. salina. The cytogenotoxicity assay on the meristematic root tip cells of Allium cepa further confirmed the cytotoxic nature of azo dye (DR-22) with decrease in mitotic index (0.5 % at 500 ppm) and increase in aberrant index (4.56 %) over 4-h exposure period. Genotoxic damages (lagging chromosome, metaphase cluster, chromosome bridges, and dye accumulation in cytoplasm) were noticed at different stages of cell cycle. The degraded metabolites had negligible cytotoxic and genotoxic effects.     

Evaluation of growth and phycobiliprotein composition of cyanobacteria isolates cultivated in different nitrogen sources

Phycobiliproteins, light-harvesting pigments found in cyanobacteria and in some eukaryotic algae, have numerous commercial applications in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Colorant production from cyanobacteria offers advantages over their production from higher plants, as cyanobacteria have fast growth rate and high photosynthetic efficiency and require less space. In this study, three cyanobacteria strains were studied for phycobiliprotein production and the influence of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and ammonium chloride on the growth and phycobiliprotein composition of the strains were evaluated. In the batch culture period of 12 days, Phormidium sp. and Pseudoscillatoria sp. were able to utilize all tested nitrogen sources; however, ammonium chloride was the best nitrogen source for both strains to achieve maximum growth rate μ?=?0.284?±?0.03 and μ?=?0.274?±?0.13 day^?1, chlorophyll a 16.2?±? 0.5 and 12.2?±? 0.2 mg L^?1, and phycobiliprotein contents 19.38?±?0.09 and 19.99?±?0.14% of dry weight, whereas, for Arthrospira platensis, the highest growth rate of μ?=?0.304?±?0.0 day^?1, chlorophyll a 19.1?±?0.5 mg L^?1, and phycobiliprotein content of 22.27?±?0.21% of dry weight were achieved with sodium nitrate. The phycocyanin from the lyophilized cyanobacterial biomass was extracted using calcium chloride and food grade purity (A₆₂₀/A₂₈₀ ratio >?0.7) was achieved. Furthermore, phycocyanin was purified using two-step chromatographic method and the analytical grade purity (A₆₂₀/A₂₈₀ ratio >?4) was attained. SDS-PAGE demonstrated the purity and presence of two bands corresponding to α- and β-subunits of the C-phycocyanin. The results showed that Phormidium sp. and Pseudoscillatoria sp. could be good candidates for phycocyanin production.     

Multifunctional 5,6-dimethoxybenzo[d]isothiazol-3(2H)-one-N-alkylbenzylamine derivatives with acetylcholinesterase,monoamine oxidases and β-amyloid aggregation inhibitory activities as potential agents against Alzheimer’s disease

A series of 5,6-dimethoxybenzo[d]isothiazol-3(2H)-one-N-alkylbenzylamine derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated as potential multifunctional agents for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The in vitro assays indicated that most of these derivatives were selective AChE inhibitors with good multifunctional properties. Among them, compounds 11b and 11d displayed comprehensive advantages, with good AChE (IC₅₀?=?0.29?±?0.01?μM and 0.46?±?0.02?μM, respectively), MAO-A (IC₅₀?=?8.2?±?0.08?μM and 7.9?±?0.07?μM, respectively) and MAO-B (IC₅₀?=?20.1?±?0.16?μM and 43.8?±?2.0% at 10?μM, respectively) inhibitory activities, moderate self-induced Aβ_1–42 aggregation inhibitory potency (35.4?±?0.42% and 48.0?±?1.53% at 25?μM, respectively) and potential antioxidant activity. In addition, the two representative compounds displayed high BBB permeability in vitro. Taken together, these multifunctional properties make 11b and 11d as a promising candidate for the development of efficient drugs against AD.     

Decolorization of textile azo dye and Congo red by an isolated strain of the dissimilatory manganese-reducing bacterium Shewanella xiamenensis BC01

Shewanella xiamenensis BC01 (SXM) was isolated from sediment collected off Xiamen, China and was identified based on the phylogenetic tree of 16S rRNA sequences and the gyrB gene. This strain showed high activity in the decolorization of textile azo dyes, especially methyl orange, reactive red 198, and recalcitrant dye Congo red, decolorizing at rates of 96.2, 93.0, and 87.5 %, respectively. SXM had the best performance for the specific decolorization rate (SDR) of azo dyes compared to Proteus hauseri ZMd44 and Aeromonas hydrophila NIU01 strains and had an SDR similar to Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 in Congo red decolorization. Luria-Bertani medium was the optimal culture medium for SXM, as it reached a density of 4.69 g-DCW L^?1 at 16 h. A mediator (manganese) significantly enhanced the biodegradation and flocculation of Congo red. Further analysis with UV–VIS, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, and Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry demonstrated that Congo red was cleaved at the azo bond, producing 4,4′-diamino-1,1′-biphenyl and 1,2′-diamino naphthalene 4-sulfonic acid. Finally, SEM results revealed that nanowires exist between the bacteria, indicating that SXM degradation of the azo dyes was coupled with electron transfer through the nanowires. The purpose of this work is to explore the utilization of a novel, dissimilatory manganese-reducing bacterium in the treatment of wastewater containing azo dyes.     

Decolorization of chemically different dyes by white-rot fungi in submerged cultures

Forty-two white-rot fungi in submerged cultures were tested to determine their dye decolorization capacity and the optimal conditions for the decolorization process. Trametes pubescens Cui 7571 was found to be the most effective strain in terms of decolorization performance on the azo dye Congo Red, and it exhibited excellent reusability as well as persistence in sequential decolorization experiments. Optimization of the decoloration process was also conducted to evaluate the effects of a number of chemical compounds, metal salts, inducers, and mediators on the dye decolorization rate. On the seventh day, a highest dye removal of 98.83 % was observed with addition of copper at 2.5 mmol L^?1, Tween 80 at 1.0 % (v/v), and ferulic acid at 0.50 μmol L^?1, respectively. The adsorption of mycelia to dyes was not a significant contributor to dye removal, and decolorization by the functional fungus T. pubescens depended on biodegradation by enzymes, as evidenced by the results of the moist heat sterilization treatment (121°C for 20 min), induction of extracellular enzymes, and scanning electron microscopy. Four dye degradation metabolites, i.e., naphthalene amine, biphenyl amine, biphenyl ,and naphthalene diazonium, were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The phytotoxicity tests indicated that degraded metabolites had almost a negligible effect on the plant seeds as compared to that of dye, which is indicative of the less toxic nature of the metabolites. Our results suggest that white-rot fungus T. pubescens could be developed into a novel azo dye bioremediation strategy.     

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.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of two novel fructose-specific transporters from the osmotolerant and fructophilic yeast Candida magnoliae JH110

Sugar transport is very critical in developing an efficient and rapid conversion process of a mixture of sugars by engineered microorganisms. By using expressed sequence tag data generated for the fructophilic yeast Candida magnoliae JH110, we identified two fructose-specific transporters, CmFSY1 and CmFFZ1, which show high homology with known fructose transporters of other yeasts. The CmFSY1 and CmFFZ1 genes harbor no introns and encode proteins of 574 and 582 amino acids, respectively. Heterologous expression of the two fructose-specific transporter genes in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is unable to utilize hexoses, revealed that both transporters are functionally expressed and specifically transport fructose. These results were further corroborated by kinetic analysis of the fructose transport that showed that CmFsy1p is a high-affinity fructose–proton symporter with low capacity (K _M?=?0.13?±?0.01 mM, V _max?=?2.1?±?0.3 mmol h^?1 [gdw]^?1) and that CmFfz1p is a low-affinity fructose-specific facilitator with high capacity (K _M?=?105?±?12 mM, V _max?=?8.6?±?0.7 mmol h^?1 [gdw]^?1). These fructose-specific transporters can be used for improving fructose transport in engineered microorganisms for the production of biofuels and chemicals from fructose-containing feedstock.     

Decolorization of azo dyes by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Shewanella oneidensis</Emphasis> MR-1 in the presence of humic acids

The effects of humic acid (HA) on azo dye decolorization by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 were studied. It was found that HA species isolated from different sources could all accelerate the decolorization of Acid Red 27 (AR27). Anoxic and anaerobic conditions were required for the enhancement of azo dye decolorization by HA. In the presence of 50 mg DOC L⁻¹ Aldrich HA, 15–29% increases in decolorization efficiencies of azo dyes with different structures were achieved in 11 h. The enhancing effects increased with the increase of HA concentrations ranging from 25 to 150 mg DOC L⁻¹, and the decolorization rates were directly proportional to the HA concentrations when they were below 100 mg DOC L⁻¹. Lactate and formate were good electron donors for AR27 decolorization in the presence of HA. Both nitrate (0.1–3.0 mM) and nitrite (0.3–1.2 mM) inhibited AR27 decolorization in the presence of HA, and negligible decolorization was observed before their removal. Soluble FeCl₃ could accelerate the decolorization process in the presence of HA, whereas insoluble hematite could not. These findings may affect the understanding of bioremediation of azo dye-polluted environments and help improve the treatment of azo dye wastewaters.     

Endophytic fungi from Combretum leprosum with potential anticancer and antifungal activity

The recent increase in human diseases and cancers requires new drugs to combat them. Sources have been found in rare microorganisms, those from extreme habitats, and from endophytes. In this study, the biological activity of endophytic fungi associated with the Brazilian medicinal plant Combretum leprosum was assessed. Cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects were evaluated using seven human cancer cells lines (HeLa, ECV304, B16F10, J744, P388, Jurkat and k562). In addition the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against pathogenic human fungal was determined using four Candida species and the filamentous fungi Cryptococcus neoformans and Trichophyton rubrum. A compound from extracts of phylotype Aspergillus oryzae CFE108 exhibited the most significant cytotoxicity effect against histiocytic sarcoma J774 (IC₅₀ of 0.80 μg?mL^?1), leukemia Jurkat (IC₅₀ of 0.89 μg?mL^?1), bladder carcinoma ECV304 (IC₅₀ of 3.08 μg?mL^?1) and cervical cancer HeLa (IC₅₀ of 2.97 μg?mL^?1). The extract from phylotypes Fusarium oxysporum CFE177 displayed antifungal activity and inhibited the growth of Candida glabrata (4 μg?mL^?1) as well as that of C. neoformans and T. rubrum with the lowest MIC being 62.5 μg?mL^?1. In addition, the fractions from A. oryzae CFE108 showed marked morphological activity (rounding up) on endothelial cells (tEnd.1 cells), which is indicative of potential antivascular activity. Our results indicate that the endophytes associated with this medicinal plant may be a source of novel drugs.     

Decolorization of the azo dye Acid Red 18 by crude manganese peroxidase: Effect of system parameters and kinetic study

Abstract

To optimize operating conditions for the decolorization of the azo dye Acid Red 18 (AR18) by crude manganese peroxidase (MnP), some important factors affecting enzymatic decolorization were systematically investigated. Under the optimal enzyme reaction conditions, a decolorization efficiency of more than 82.3% was achieved after 60 min treatment. Furthermore, the manganese chelators, malate, tartrate, and lactate were found to be more favorable for the decolorization of AR18 than malonate, acetate, succinate, maleate, oxalate, and citrate. However, the presence of NaCl or Na₂SO₄ had a negative impact on the decolorization of AR18. The K_m and V_max values of MnP for AR18 were 169.66 μmol L^{? 1} and 20.63 μmol L^{? 1} min^{? 1}, respectively. The decolorization of AR18 by MnP followed second-order reaction kinetics with respect to the dye concentration. The decolorization rate constant increased with increasing temperature from 20°C to 35°C, which indicated an activation energy (E_a) of 15.87 kcal mol^{? 1} and frequency factor (k₀) of 1.36 × 10⁸ mg^{? 1} L min^{? 1} according to the Arrhenius equation. The results obtained provide experimental data for the application of crude MnP for the decolorization of AR18, and help to elucidate the biochemical mechanism of dye decolorization by the enzyme.     

Isolation and characterization of a lead (Pb) tolerant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudomonas aeruginosa</Emphasis> strain HF5 for decolorization of reactive red-120 and other azo dyes

Presence of heavy metals including lead (Pb) in the textile effluents is a crucial factor affecting the growth and potential of the dye decolorizing bacterial strains. This work was planned to isolate and characterize a bacterial strain exhibiting the potential to decolorize a range of azo dyes as well as the resistance to Pb. In this study, several Pb tolerant bacteria were isolated from effluents of textile industry. These bacterial isolates were screened for their potential of decolorizing the reactive red-120 (RR120) azo dye with presence of Pb (50 mg L^?1). The most efficient isolate was further characterized for its potential to resist Pb and decolorize different azo dyes under varying cultural and incubation conditions. Out of the total 82 tested bacterial isolates, 30 bacteria were found to have varying potentials to resist the presence of lead (Pb) and carry out decolorization of an azo dye reactive red-120 (RR120) in the medium amended with Pb (50 mg L^?1). The most efficient selected bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain HF5, was found to show a good potential not only to grow in the presence of considerable concentration of Pb but also to decolorize RR120 and other azo dyes in the media amended with Pb. The strain HF5 completely (>?90%) decolorized RR120 in mineral salt medium amended with 100 mg L^?1 of Pb and 20 g L^?1 NaCl. This strain also considerably (>?50%) decolorized RR120 up to the presence of 2000 mg L^?1 of Pb and 50 g L^?1 of NaCl but with reduced rate. The optimal decolorization of RR120 by HF5 was achieved when the pH of the Pb amended (100 mg L^?1) mineral salt media was adjusted at 7.5 and 8.5. Interestingly, this strain also showed the tolerance to a range of metal ions with varying MIC values. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain HF5 harboring the unique potentials to grow and decolorize the azo dyes in the presence of Pb is envisaged as a potential bioresource for devising the remediation strategies for treatment of colored textile wastewaters loaded with Pb and other heavy metal ions.     

Oxidative degradation of Amaranth dye by a new genus Kerstersia sp.

A dye-decolorizing bacterium was isolated from a coconut coir sample and identified as a new genus Kerstersia sp. by various biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This bacterium was capable of degrading sulfonated azo dye Amaranth aerobically at 40?°C and pH 7.0. Tests conducted on intracellular crude enzyme extract identified an oxygen insensitive azoreductase. The optimum dye-decolorizing activity at pH 7.0 and 40?°C for the decolorization of dye was 0.091?U mL^?1 (μ_max 0.522?mg h^?1). The K_s 104.51?μM^?1 has been evaluated by plotting Lineweaver–Burk plot for the Amaranth dye. The dye degraded products were extracted and characterized by TLC, diazotization and Carbylamines test, which indicated that Amaranth was biotransformed into non-toxic aromatic metabolite without amine group.     

The Influences of Chromium Supplementation on Glycemic Control,Markers of Cardio-Metabolic Risk,and Oxidative Stress in Infertile Polycystic ovary Syndrome Women Candidate for In vitro Fertilization: a Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of chromium intake on glycemic control, markers of cardio-metabolic risk, and oxidative stress in infertile polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women candidate for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done among 40 subjects with infertile PCOS candidate for IVF, aged 18–40 years old. Individuals were randomly allocated into two groups to take either 200 μg/day of chromium (n?=?20) or placebo (n?=?20) for 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and at end-of-trial. Compared with the placebo, taking chromium supplements led to significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (??2.3?±?5.7 vs. +?0.9?±?3.1 mg/dL, P?=?0.03), insulin levels (??1.4?±?2.1 vs. +?0.4?±?1.7 μIU/mL, P?=?0.004), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (??0.3?±?0.5 vs. +?0.1?±?0.4, P?=?0.005), and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+?0.004?±?0.008 vs. ??0.001?±?0.008, P?=?0.03). In addition, chromium supplementation significantly decreased serum triglycerides (??19.2?±?33.8 vs. +?8.3?±?21.7 mg/dL, P?=?0.004), VLDL- (??3.8?±?6.8 vs. +?1.7?±?4.3 mg/dL, P?=?0.004) and total cholesterol concentrations (??15.3?±?26.2 vs. ??0.6?±?15.9 mg/dL, P?=?0.03) compared with the placebo. Additionally, taking chromium supplements was associated with a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity (+?153.9?±?46.1 vs. ??7.8?±?43.9 mmol/L, P?<?0.001) and a significant reduction in malondialdehyde values (?0.3?±?0.3 vs. +?0.1?±?0.2 μmol/L, P?=?0.001) compared with the placebo. Overall, our study supported that chromium administration for 8 weeks to infertile PCOS women candidate for IVF had beneficial impacts on glycemic control, few variables of cardio-metabolic risk, and oxidative stress.     

Pelagic nitrification and denitrification rates in an Arctic fjord during early spring

This study addresses factors governing nitrification and denitrification rates, along with the abundance of the bacterial groups likely involved in these activities, in Kongsfjorden, an Arctic fjord at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. The fjord was sampled three times during the month of March 2008 as day length and direct solar radiation increased. Although initially well mixed, cooler and more saline, the fjord became stratified, warmer and less saline during late March. The concentrations of NH₄ ⁺ (4.4?±?1.6 to 6?±?1.6 μM) and NO₂ ^? (1?±?0.3 to 1.2?±?0.4 μM) increased progressively with the decrease in NO₃ ^? (6.1?±?1.3 to 3.8?±?1.5 μM), reflecting the onset of primary productivity. Nitrification rates and the culturable population of nitrifiers decreased significantly from 1.6?±?0.9 to 0.4?±?0.1 ng at NH₄ ⁺-N l^?1 h^?1 and 5.1?±?0.3?×?10² to 29?±?14 cells l^?1, respectively. In contrast, denitrification rates increased (2.4?±?0.5 to 4.6?±?1.3 ng-at NO₃ ^?-N l^?1 h^?1), although the abundance of culturable denitrifiers did not vary significantly. A significant correlation of nitrifiers with NO₃ ^? during early March (p?<?0.01, r?=?0.51) indicated that nitrifiers may play an important role in regulating the NO₃ ^? pool and thereby in controlling the abundance of denitrifiers. However, the contribution of nitrification to the total NO₃ ^? pool decreased with time. Experimental simulations were also set up to understand the impact of change in duration of light and progressive increase in temperature on these processes. The application of 24 h light inhibited nitrification, suggesting that during peak Arctic summer the contribution of nitrification to the nitrate pool is minimal. It was also observed that a brief exposure to light (≤6 h) was enough to hamper nitrification rates. Experimental simulations suggested that a gradual increase in temperature in the fjord may enhance the magnitude of nitrification and denitrification in the fjord.     

Effective bioremoval and detoxification of textile dye mixture by Alishewanella sp. KMK6

Alishewanella sp. strain KMK6 was able to degrade mixture of textile dyes (0.5–2.0 g?l^?1) within 8 h. An initial 28 % reduction in COD was observed immediately after decolorization at static anoxic conditions which on further incubation at shaking conditions reduced by 90 %. Partially purified azoreductase was able to utilize different azo dyes as substrates. The HPLC profile of dye degradation showed formation of metabolic products. Further FTIR analysis showed significant changes in the peaks corresponding to functional groups present in dye mixture and its degradation products. The genotoxicity assessment showed that the dye degradation products were non-toxic compared to dye mixture.     

Accelerated decolorization of reactive azo dyes under saline conditions by bacteria isolated from Arabian seawater sediment

Presence of huge amount of salts in the wastewater of textile dyeing industry is one of the major limiting factors in the development of an effective biotreatment system for the removal of azo dyes from textile effluents. Bacterial spp. capable of thriving under high salt conditions could be employed for the treatment of saline dye-contaminated textile wastewaters. The present study was aimed at isolating the most efficient bacterial strains capable of decolorizing azo dyes under high saline conditions. Fifty-eight bacterial strains were isolated from seawater, seawater sediment, and saline soil, using mineral salt medium enriched with 100?mg?l^?1 Reactive Black-5 azo dye and 50?g NaCl l^?1 salt concentration. Bacterial strains KS23 (Psychrobacter alimentarius) and KS26 (Staphylococcus equorum) isolated from seawater sediment were able to decolorize three reactive dyes including Reactive Black 5, Reactive Golden Ovifix, and Reactive Blue BRS very efficiently in liquid medium over a wide range of salt concentration (0–100?g NaCl l^?1). Time required for complete decolorization of 100?mg dye l^?1 varied with the type of dye and salt concentration. In general, there was an inverse linear relationship between the velocity of the decolorization reaction (V) and salt concentration. This study suggested that bacteria isolated from saline conditions such as seawater sediment could be used in designing a bioreactor for the treatment of textile effluent containing high concentration of salts.     

Atmospheric methane removal by methane-oxidizing bacteria immobilized on porous building materials

Biological treatment using methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) immobilized on six porous carrier materials have been used to mitigate methane emission. Experiments were performed with different MOB inoculated in building materials at high (~20 % (v/v)) and low (~100 ppmv) methane mixing ratios. Methylocystis parvus in autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) exhibited the highest methane removal rate at high (28.5?±?3.8 μg CH₄ g^?1 building material h^?1) and low (1.7?±?0.4 μg CH₄ g^?1 building material h^?1) methane mixing ratio. Due to the higher volume of pores with diameter >5 μm compared to other materials tested, AAC was able to adsorb more bacteria which might explain for the higher methane removal observed. The total methane and carbon dioxide-carbon in the headspace was decreased for 65.2?±?10.9 % when M. parvus in Ytong was incubated for 100 h. This study showed that immobilized MOB on building materials could be used to remove methane from the air and also act as carbon sink.