Exploring indigenous bacteria in wastewater for sustainable bioremediation for red and blue azo dyes decolouration, and chromium (VI) degradation in industrial effluents

ABSTRACT This research addresses the critical issue of industrial wastewater pollution, focusing on the textile and paper and pulp industries. Conventional treatment methods often suffer from inefficiencies, making bioremediation a sustainable alternative for mitigating hazardous compounds in industrial effluents. The study characterizes novel indigenous bacterial isolates from both industries, highlighting their potential for azo dye decolorization and Cr (VI) bioreduction. Physico-chemical analysis of the influents helped design effective bioremediation strategies. Microbial diversity analysis revealed key genera, including Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Corynebacterium species in textile influents, and Bacillus spp. in paper and pulp influents. Notably, Streptococcus strains achieved over 90% azo dye decolorization, confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, while Bacillus tequilensis maximized Cr (VI) biotransformation to less toxic Cr (III). The strain associated with National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) accession number MK811197.1 was identified via 16S rRNA sequencing. This study emphasizes the importance of biological processes, optimizing pH and temperature to enhance microbial performance, offering a sustainable solution for industrial pollution and contributing to environmental management and industrial sustainability.