Biological neutralization of chlor-alkali industry wastewater

► Biological neutralization of an alkaline effluent by an alkaliphile, Enterococcus faecium strain R-5. ► Reduced pH of waste water from 12.0 to 7.0 and TDS by 19-22% within 3 h. ► Madhuca indica flowers or sugar cane bagasse effectively supported neutralization.