Use of immobilised Chlorella vulgaris for the removal of colour from textile dyes

Discharge of textile wastewater containing toxic dyes can adversely affect the aquatic ecosystems and human health. The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential use of immobilised Chlorella vulgaris UMACC 001 in removing colour from textile dyes (Supranol Red 3BW, Lanaset Red 2GA and Levafix Navy Blue EBNA) and textile wastewater (TW). Two immobilisation matrices were used, namely 1% kappa-carragenan and 2% sodium alginate. Of the three dyes tested, the highest percentage of colour removal was from Lanaset Red 2GA. The cultures immobilised in 2% alginate attained the highest percentage of colour removal (44.0%) from the dye at an initial concentration of 7.25 mg L-1. Immobilised cultures in alginate also removed higher percentage of colour (48.9%)from the TW, than the suspension cultures (34.9%). Aeration did not enhance the percentage of colour removal but increased the colour intensity of the wastewater instead. C. vulgaris immobilised in alginate will be useful for final polishing of textile wastewater after undergoing primary treatment before discharge.