Decolorization of a sulfonated azo dye, Congo Red, by Staphylococcus sp. EY-3

A Staphylococcus sp. EY-3 with the capability of decolorizing Congo Red was isolated from soil at an effluent treatment plant of a textile and dyeing industry. This strain was able to almost completely decolorize a high concentration of Congo Red in 48 h under aerobic conditions. Optimal color removal (more than 96%) was achieved at 30-40°C, and no noticeable effects of different pH values (5.5-8.0) on decolorization were observed. This strain also exhibited a remarkable decolorization, capability against azo dyes under aerobic conditions, even at a high concentration (dyes 1 g/l) of dye. The metabolic product of Congo Red degradation by this strain was identified by gas chromatography with mass selective detection (GC/MSD), to be an amine derivative benzidine.