Decolorization of Azo dye Red 3BN by Bacteria

Decolorization of azo dye Red 3BN by two bacterial species Bacillus cereus and B. megaterium has been analyzed using mineral effluent, consisting of known concentration of the dye in ZZ medium. Physico chemical parameters like carbon source, nitrogen source, temperature, pH and inoculum volume are optimized for the decolorization process by changing one parameter at a time. Optimal condition for B. cereus was found to be 1% sucrose 0.25% peptone, pH 7, 37°C and 8% inoculum and that for B.megaterium was found to be glucose 1% , 0.25% yeast extract, pH 6, 37 o C and 10% inoculum. Extent of decolorization recorded by B. cereus under ideal conditions was 93.64% and that by B.megaterium was 96.88%. The study has confirmed the potential of B. cereus and B. megaterium in the decolorization of Azo dye Red 3BN and opened scope for future analysis of their performance in the treatment of textile effluent.