Advancing Biological Methods as a Sustainable Solution for Reactive Dye Degradation

Around the world, control of water pollution was given prime importance. In the era of water scarcity, dye production is increasing every year. Certain reactive dyes possess xenobiotic and carcinogenic properties. Releasing wastewater of such dyes into water bodies develops aesthetic and serious health issues. Reactive dyes also generate ample amounts of secondary pollution called sludge, which treated further for safe disposal. Legislation has tightened the hands of industrialists and instructed them to follow stricter rules for the disposal of dye wastewater. At the local level high COD in cold dye wastewater was identified as critical issue by the pollution control board. It needed a feasible solution to get it released in natural sinks. The history of dye manufacturing was thoroughly studied to understand the mutilation it has done so far and potential negative impacts if viable solution is not provided. This review describes the prevalent methods of biological treatments for reactive dye degradation of the last two and a half decades, categorizing these treatments with their description, critical assessment with benefits, limitations and future trends in the biological treatment for reactive dye degradation.