Evaluation of Dye Degradation Using Streptomyces pactum Strain JAAS1

The principle aim of this study was to isolate dye degrading actinomycetes from soil, mainly from agricultural farm lands and waste disposal areas, followed by characterization of the obtained isolates and to screen for dye degradation potential. Experiments included collection of soil samples; isolation of actinomycetes by serial dilution and spread plate technique on ISP2 medium, screening for blue, red, magenta and orange dye degradation and the biodegradation was monitored by FTIR and GCMS analysis. The role of enzymes like Laccase and peroxidases was studied to understand their activity in the degradation process and their activity was estimated. The aerobic degradation of dyes was carried out by seven different strains of actinomycetes isolated from two soil samples collected from farm lands at Vellore, Tamil Nadu. Among all the isolates, most potential strain (B2) was identified and sent for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and was used for dye degradation and optimization of degradation by response surface methodology (RSM). Their performance was evaluated in vitro with a view to understand their potential for treating effluents from textile industry especially considering the potential for toxicity reduction of the dye solution.