Sustainable Biodegradation of Methylene Blue Dye by Enterobacter cloacae Strain BHPGT2024

The discharge of dye complexes from industrial effluents, especially from textile industries, remains a significant environmental concern. Synthetic dyes such as Methylene Blue contribute notably to pollution due to their persistence and potential toxicity, which disrupt ecosystems and pose health risks via bioaccumulation. Traditional dye removal methods are often expensive and environmentally harmful. This research focuses on isolating bacterial strains from the agricultural fields of KL University, screening them for their decolourization efficiency of Methylene Blue, and optimizing culture parameters for effective decolourization. The study investigates Enterobacter cloacae strain BHPGT2024, which shows a remarkable capability to degrade Methylene Blue at a concentration of 150 ppm, with reduced efficiency at higher concentrations. The strain achieved an 82.1% dye degradation capacity within 2 days at 37°C and 120 rpm. The degradation process was analysed using UV, FT-IR, and HPLC analyses, confirming the bacterium's ability to metabolize the dye into harmless byproducts under aerobic conditions. This strain offers an eco-friendly solution to dye pollution, aligning with green chemistry principles and circular economy goals. The findings highlight the potential of microbial biodiversity in ecological preservation and pave the way for innovative bioremediation strategies, representing a promising advancement towards mitigating industrial dye pollution and fostering a sustainable future.