Fixed-bed decolorization of Reactive Blue 172 by Proteus vulgaris NCIM-2027 immobilized on Luffa cylindrica sponge

Proteus vulgaris NCIM-2027 cells immobilized on Luffa cylindrica (Loofa) completely decolorized C.I. Reactive Blue 172 at 37 °C and pH 8.0 under 5-h static incubation with high total organic carbon (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction. The repeated-batch decolorization experiments also indicate good reusability of the immobilized biocatalyst. Some oxidoreductive enzymes were shown to be involved in the decolorization and degradation process. Loofa immobilized cells were also able to decolorize a mixture of reactive dyes in batch mode (in terms of ADMI value) with significant reduction in TOC and COD. Loofa immobilized cells were also used for continuous decolorization of individual and mixture of reactive dyes in a fixed bed bioreactor.