Biodegradation of Red B dye by Bacillus sp. OY1-2.

Batch tests were employed to investigate the effects of aerobic and anoxic conditions on the biodegradation of Red B dye by Bacillus OY1-2. Results from batch experiments demonstrated anoxic conditions were beneficial for rapid biodegradation of Red B dye in comparison to aerobic conditions. Biodegradation is a major mechanism in the decolorization of Red B dye in comparison with biosorption, which accounted for only 8% of the total decolorization efficiency. Reactors packed with granular activated carbon (GAC) and inoculated with Bacillus OY1-2 were investigated to treat a synthetic wastewater under anoxic conditions. In the absence of cosubstrates, Red B dye was degraded; however, a significant improvement in degradation resulted with the addition of cosubstrates.