Biodegradation of Methyl Red by Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Waste Dump Site

Abstract

The release of azo dyes especially methyl red into the environment is of great concern due to coloration of natural water, toxicity, mutagenicity and their biotransformation product. Economical and bio-friendly approaches are needed to remediate dye contaminated waste water from various industries. In this study, Staphylococcus aureus capable of degrading azo dye was isolated from waste dump site. The isolate was studied for their ability to decolorize Methyl Red (MR) using UV spectrophotometer at 430 nm at 3 different concentrations (250, 500 and 750 mL) under aerobic condition for the period of 12 days. The 62, 58 and 50% methyl red decolorizations were recorded in 750, 500 and 250 mL dilution respectively at the end of 12 day. The results of this study suggest the potential of Staphylococcus aureus for the treatment of waste water containing methyl red.