Optimization of the Decolorization of Triphenylmethane Dyes by Bacterial Monoculture and Consortium Screened from Textile Wastewater

The dyeing processes in the textile industry generate substantial wastewater containing various dye compounds, particularly triphenylmethane dyes, which are environmentally problematic due to their persistence and potential toxicity. This study focuses on optimizing the decolorization of three specific triphenylmethane dyes (Basic Green 4, Basic Violet 3, and Bromophenol Blue) using bacterial monoculture and consortium isolated from textile wastewater. Initially, bacterial strains (Agrobacterium radiobacter, Bacillus sp., Sphingomonas paucimobilis, and unidentified filamentous bacteria) were isolated and screened for their decolorization capabilities. The most effective strains were then selected for detailed monoculture and consortium studies. Key parameters such as pH, temperature, stirring, initial dye concentration, glucose, and yeast extract were optimized to enhance decolorization efficiency. The results showed that both monocultures and consortium had significant decolorization capabilities, with the consortia outperforming the monocultures under optimized conditions. The consortia exhibited enhanced decolorization efficiency compared to individual bacterial strains, indicating synergistic interactions among the consortium members.