The Photosynthetic Behaviour and Biomass as Indicators for the Resistance and Tolerance Capacity of the Algae as well as Its Potential Use for Tannin Removal in the Tannery Effluents

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Jasmine, R.

Affiliations: PG & Research Department of Biotechnology, Bishop Heber College, Trichy – 620017, India. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Tannery effluents have reutilization potentials and may be harnessed for human welfare. Tannin, the chief component of tannery effluent, increases biological oxygen demand. Admittedly disposal of these untreated effluents will affect all life. Such disposal operations will ultimately depend on the biodegradation. Tannins, the chief component of tannery effluents, are degraded by bacteria, yeasts and fungi. Little work has been attempted using blue green algae. It is seen that the algae when made to grow in the effluent (diluted) survives and later flourishes. Since the algae are significant photosynthetic organisms, it is important to investigate the effect of tannins on the pigmentation and also on biomass which serve as bioindicators for tolerance to tannins. The photosynthetic pigments and biomass of the algae were analysed before and after the treatment with effluent. The present investigations showed that cyanobacteria can serve as the potential bioremedial organism for industrial pollution. Today, bioremediation is widely applied in the treatment of contaminated water, soil, sludge and sediments. Bioremediation is the best method for remediation of the long chain molecular organic compounds, hazardous waste and toxicity chemical.

Keywords: Tannery, pigments, cyanobacteria, effluent

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 123-128, 2013