Congo Red (Azo dye) decolourization by local isolate VT-II inhabiting dye_effluent exposed soil

A variety of samples were collected to isolate Congo red decolourizing bacteria from Baddi (H.P). Total 7 strains were obtained with potential for Congo red decolourization. On primary screening, VT-II, an aerobic gram positive bacillus (Bacillus sp.) was found to have maximum observable Azo dye decolourization activity. The isolate on secondary screening exhibited 70% decolourization. However, under optimal conditions of pH (7.0) and temperature (40°C), maximum decolourization percentage was 85%. Further studies are in progress to explore the possibilities of evolving authentic and commercially viable strain to be used for bioremediation of azo dye containing effluents.