Work

Exploration of novel ecological niches for pigmented bacteria with dye bioremediation potential

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction This study explores the comparative bioremediation potential of pigmented bacteria isolated from diverse ecological niches. Three distinct isolates were identified: Shewanella xiamenensis (U2f, from goldfish gills), Paracoccus sp. (THN1, a rose thorn endophyte), and Kocuria sp. (YC, an incidental laboratory isolate). Methods The isolated bacterial pigments were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy. The isolates and a developed bacterial consortium were evaluated for their ability to tolerate, decolorize, and degrade various synthetic dyes (Congo red, malachite green, bromophenol blue, methylene blue, and crystal violet). The resulting decolorization and biodegradation processes were validated using UV–Vis spectroscopic analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and HPLC. Results FTIR analysis indicated that the tan pigment from S. xiamenensis (U2f) was similar to melanin, the bright orange pigment from Paracoccus sp. (THN1) to astaxanthin, and the yellow pigment from Kocuria sp. (YC) to carotenoids. For bioremediation, S. xiamenensis (U2f) successfully decolorized the azo dye Congo red up to 200 mg/mL (70% efficiency) and tolerated levels up to 400 mg/mL. Conversely, Paracoccus sp. (THN1) and Kocuria sp. (YC) decolorized the triphenylmethane dye malachite green up to 200 mg/mL with 80–91% efficiency, tolerating concentrations up to 500 mg/mL. Notably, a consortium of Paracoccus sp. and Kocuria sp. achieved 100% degradation efficiency of malachite green (200 mg/mL) within 16 hours under shaking conditions. Discussion These findings highlight the unique, niche-specific bioremediation capabilities of pigmented bacteria. The results demonstrate that targeted single isolates or designed consortia exhibit distinct and highly efficient degradation pathways against specific classes of toxic synthetic dyes, offering a promising tool for targeted environmental cleanup.

Source: Frontiers in Microbiology

DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2026.1895442

Authors: Vasundhara More, Rucha Bagade, Vaishnavi Mokashi, Shilpa Mujumdar, Ujwala Khisti

Institution: Annasaheb Magar Mahavidyalaya, Hadapsar, Pune

Language: English

Topic: Enzyme-mediated dye degradation

Subfield: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801