Microbial decolourization of methyl orange dye by Pseudomonas spp

The present study aimed at assessing the ability of Pseudomonas spp. to decolorize and degrade Methyl Orange dye. Pseudomonas spp. ETL-M could tolerate Methyl Orange dye upto 500 mg -1 . A bacterium identified as Pseudomonas spp. ETL-M was isolated from dye contaminated soil. This strain rapidly decolorized a methyl orange azo dye solution. Features of the decolorizing process related to biodegradation and biosorption were also studied. The dye was efficiently decolorized in static compared to shaked cultures. The bacterium exhibited a remarkable color removal capability over a wide range of dye concentration (50-200 mg/l), pH (6-10) and temperatures (30- 40 o C). The Pseudomonas spp. ETL-M decolorized the repeated addition of methyl orange dye up to four cycles with variable decolorization rate (10-94%).