PJB-2019-330
LUFFA CYLINDRICA IMMOBILIZED WITH ASPERGILLUS TERREUS QMS-1: AN EFFICIENT AND COST-EFFECTIVE STRATEGY FOR THE REMOVAL OF CONGO RED USING STIRRED TANK REACTOR
QANDEEL LARAIB
Abstract
Microbial population within rhizosphere is viewed as prosperous repositories with biotechnological and biodegradation aptitude. An effluent sample from textile industry and soil samples from the rhizospheric region of Musa acuminata (banana plant), Azadirachta indica (neem tree) and were screened for indigenous fungal flora with the ability to decolorize Congo red, a carcinogenic diazo dye, particularly known for its health hazards to the industry workers and local community. Amongst 56 isolates, 42 fungal strains were found capable of removing the dye, however, Aspergillus terreus QMS-1, showed the maximum potential to degrade Congo red. The results of shake flask experiments revealed that the strain can remove (92%) of the dye at 100 ppm within 24 h, in the presence of 1% glucose and 1% ammonium sulphate with pH adjusted to 5.0. To develop bio-treatment process, A. terreus QMS-1 was immobilized on pieces of dried Luffa cylindrica (natural loofah sponge) and cultivated aerobically in stirred tank bioreactor (STR). Operation of the bioreactor in continuous flow for 12 h with 100 ppm of Congo red dye in simulated textile effluent resulted in 97% decolorization. The STR was found to be a cost-effective, environment friendly and well-maintained system for the in situ treatment of textile waste water by A. terreus QMS-1 having significant potential for decolorization of Congo red.
To Cite this article:
Download
