Textile industries generate large volumes of dye-laden effluents that pose serious ecological and agricultural risks, particularly due to the persistence and toxicity of azo dyes. This study investigated the biodegradation potential of indigenous bacteria isolated from soils contaminated with textile effluents in the Sanganer region of Jaipur, India, and evaluated their role in mitigating dye-induced phytotoxicity. Eight bacterial isolates were morphologically and biochemically characterized, of which Pseudomonas spp. and Klebsiella spp. exhibited superior dye degradation efficiency. These isolates were assessed, both individually and as consortia, for their ability to decolorize four textile dyes: reactive red (RR), golden yellow (GY), brilliant blue (BB), and reactive orange (RO), under varying concentrations and incubation periods. Maximum degradation was achieved at a dye concentration of 10 mg L-1 and 29-30 hrs of incubation, with the 1:1 bacterial consortium showing pronounced synergistic effects. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the structural modification and breakdown of the dye functional groups, indicating true biodegradation rather than adsorption. Phytotoxicity assays using Zea mays demonstrated significant improvements in seed germination, seedling growth, seed vigor index, and primary metabolite content in soils treated with the bacterial consortia. Thus, this study highlights the dual potential of soil-derived bacterial consortia for efficiently bioremediating azo dyes and restoring plant growth, and supports applying them for sustainably managing dye-polluted agroecosystems.
Agricultural Risks, Biodegradation, Soil, Textile Effluents, Consortium, Plant Growth
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