Optimization of significant factors on the microbial decolorization of azo dye in an aqueous medium by Design of Experiments

Currently, the reduction of reactive dyes present in the textile effluent is a big challenge due to the threat to the environment. Existing physical and chemical methods contains many drawbacks. In the present scenario microbial reduction pays much attention and current focus of research. Therefore, the present study isolated dye decolorizing bacterium Exiguiobacterium aurantiacum (TSL7) from activated sludge and identified by molecular techniques and 16S rDNA sequences. Decolorization was not established in Bushnell hass broth composition in accordance with absence of carbon and nitrogen source. The three environmental factors pH, starch and beef extract were selected from Plackett-Burman design experiments. The central composite design was employed to optimize the maximum removal of remazol golden yellow (91.83%) with pH, 6.89, starch, 0.49% (w/v) and beef extract 0.67% (w/v) respectively, These key factors playing a major role in the bacterial dye removal and the interactions were evaluated statistically. The optimal value of significant factors supports to maximize the dye removal competency of isolated bacterium. Thus results exhibited that local salt tolerant bacterium Exiguiobacterium aurantiacum (TSL7) could be a potential candidate for an in situ-bioremediation of inorganic salts abundant textile effluents in the textile industry.