DEGRADATION OF MALACHITE GREEN DYE BY SOIL BACTERIA FROM DUMPING SITE, BOISAR, MAHARASHTRA, INDIAI.N. Mehta, S.M. Gharat and Y.N. GovariAbstract Malachite green dye is extensively used in sectors of paper, textile, cosmetic and leather. The subsequent increase in demand for dyes has caused exploitation of the environment. Biodegradation of dyes by the means of microorganisms is widely in use due to their high effectiveness and productivity. In the present study, dye degrading organisms have been isolated from the dump yard at Boisar, Maharashtra on selective nutrient media consisting of Malachite green dye. It was observed that the organism was able to decolorize 4 ppm dye within 72 hours of incubation. By means of microscopic, cultural and biochemical tests for identification of bacterial cultures, the organism responsible was found to be Citrobacter spp. This approach makes a way to deal with the damaging effects of dyes on the ecosystem. |