Maryam Karimzadeh - Department of Chemical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Tayebe Bagheri Lotfabad - Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.
Amir Heydarinasab - Department of Chemical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Soheila Yaghmaei - Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.

Introduction: Biodegradation of azo dyes under harsh environmental conditions has been of great interest for the treatment of colored effluents. The present study aims to evaluate Klebsiella quasipneumoniae GT۷ for degrading azo dye Carmoisine under extreme pH conditions and high salinity. Materials and Methods: The growth profiles of bacteria were compared under different conditions of salinity and pH, using the optical density and viability measurements. Kinetic patterns of decolourization by GT۷ were investigated under different concentrations of NaCl and/or pH, through the spectrophotometry method. Moreover, thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to evaluate the biotransformation of Carmoisine into aromatic amines. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out to analyze any morphological changes in bacteria under stress conditions. Results: GT۷ showed OD-based growth and sustainable viability under [NaCl] ≤ ۱۵% and/or initial pH between ۳-۱۱. The viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state explained the bacteria's survival under attenuated growth due to bacterial inefficiency to maintain cytoplasmic osmotic balance, vital turgor pressure, and pH homeostasis. Biodecolourization was accomplished during ۴۸h, where Carmoisine was ۵۰mg/l, [NaCl] ≤ ۲۰%, and/or initial was pH ۵-۱۱. TLC, OD۶۰۰nm and pH measurements as well as visual observation of bacterial pellets at the end of the decolourization confirmed biodegradation as the dominant mechanism, except for pH ۳, where dye was removed via adsorption to the cell surface. SEM showed morphological alteration of GT۷ from rod to coccoid shape as an approach to resist the harsh conditions ratio. Conclusion: GT۷ is shown as an efficient strain for azo dye degradation in harsh environmental conditions.

Azo Compounds, Klebsiella, Salinity, Extremophiles, Coloring Agents.