The isolation of thermophilic bacterial cultures capable of textile dyes decolorization

Two facultative anaerobic bacterial cultures, a mixed one (BMM) and a pure one (DTB), both capable of decolorizing textile dyes, were isolated through enrichment on yeast extract containing mineral media inoculated with textile dyes' discharge effluent. Both cultures were capable of growth and decolorization at elevated temperatures up to 60 degrees C. The percentage of dyes decolorization achieved varied between 67-84% and 70-99% by BMM and DTB cultures, respectively, under anaerobic conditions and at 50 degrees C. Growth was best under aerobic conditions and at its optimum at 55 degrees C. Both cultures have potential industrial applications, in treatment systems dealing with effluent generated by industries concerned with the decolorization or treatment of textile dyes effluents normally discharged at elevated temperatures. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.