Biodegradation of Remazol Blue Brilliant R Dye Using Date Pedicels as a Biostimulant

Researchers have used mixed microbial cultures to degrade various pollutants such as domestic effluents, pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbon molecules, etc. The use of a mixed microbial culture induces synergistic associations between different microorganisms by producing multiple enzymes that can effectively degrade refractory molecules such as azo and anthraquinone dyes. It is in this context that we have been interested in the biological decolorization of contaminated water with an anthraquinone dye Remazol Blue Brilliant R (RBBR), by using microorganisms from activated sludge taken at the outlet of the aeration basin of the wastewater treatment plant from Reghaia (Algeria). In order to stimulate the development of the microorganisms responsible for the secretion of ligninolytic enzymes, we have introduced date pedicels cut into small pieces into the bioreactors. These will serve as co-substrate and support for the microorganisms present in the reaction medium. The parametric study is performed by varying the concentration of activated sludge, the concentration of date pedicels, the pH, the temperature and the initial concentration of the Remazol Blue Brilliant R (RBBR) dye. A maximum elimination yield of 82% is obtained. For an activated sludge/pedicel ratio of dates equals 2 at a neutral pH, T = 30 degrees C and an initial dye concentration of 100 mg/L. We also note that this promising technique has achieved a yield of 53% for an initial concentration of Remazol Blue Brilliant R of 3500 mg/L.