12. Phytoremediation Techniques for the Removal of Dye in Wastewater

Phytoremediation attempts to use plants and microbes associated with plant root systems to protect the environment by removal of pollutants in the form of inorganic and organic wastes. Phytoremediation is capable of treating pollutants of dye waste, which are derived from various sources. Adaptation in genetic levels is the basic attitude behind plants that able to manage the contaminants from polluted site. Various classifications of phytoremediation are discussed in this chapter. Among the various pollutants, textile dyes and effluents are identified to most predominant pollutants of our environment. Treatment of textile dyes using plant remains an unfamiliar area of research. Mechanisms of uptake of different dyes by plants have also been proposed. Selection criteria of plants for achieving high efficiency of treatment of dye contaminant wastewater have been projected. Use of Lemna minor L. plant with pond system in warmer regions has shown significant removal of Basic Red 46 dye. Different plants such as Tecoma stans var. angustata, Scirpus grossus, water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes, aquatic plant Spirodela polyrrhiza have also been discussed for their potential of dye degradation. Consortium of Petuniagrandiflora and Gailardia grandiflora plants has been established for their role in dye degradation. Combined technology involving plant-associated micro-organisms with Medicago sativa L. and Sesbania cannabina Pers have also been proposed. Various impacts of azo dye on living organism have been discussed.