A harmless approach on textile effluent detoxification: Bioremediation and recent strategies

Abstract

Wastewater effluents, particularly, from textile industries deepened with high level of organic and inorganic pollutants, such as binders, surfactants, dyes, acids, salts, thickeners, reducing agents, etc. Since the uptake of some kind of synthetic dyes by the fibers is quite low, the presence of dyes in the wastewaters is immensely high. Such kind of extremely colored wastewaters harshly affects the photosynthetic function of receiving water bodies and makes a severe negative impact on aquatic life because of oxygen depletion and diminishing penetration of light. Due to their toxicity, it may be lethal to certain forms of marine life. Therefore, such wastewaters must be subjected to treat before discharge. Different researchers have suggested various cutting-edge innovations using physicochemical and biochemical methods to treat the effluents from dye manufacturing and textile industries. Though the traditional treatment techniques, physical and chemical treatments, are feasible for decolorization, they yet require more energy and chemicals. In addition, these techniques result the accumulated contaminants into liquid or solid side streams that necessitate extra-treatment strategies for anticipated disposal. On other hand, the biological approaches are proven to be less expensive and harmless to the environment. In this process, different microbes including fungi, bacteria, and algae are used, which can completely mineralize pollutants. Keeping in the view, this chapter focuses to discuss on the different factors effecting the biological removal of dye, microorganisms involved and mechanism of biodegradation of dyes, application of enzymes. Additionally, the genetically engineered cultures in biological dye removal have also been discussed.