Zapping Dye Pollution: The Tiny Helper from Nature
In the vast world of tiny organisms, a bacterium named Buttiauxella sp. S19-1 is making waves. It has a special talent: breaking down a harmful dye called Congo red (CR). This dye is a big deal in the fashion industry, but it's not so great for the environment or our health.
Scientists Discover the Perfect Conditions
Scientists found that this bacterium works best in specific conditions. It prefers:
- A cozy temperature of 27°C
- A slightly acidic environment (pH 5.0)
- No oxygen around
Given these conditions, it can remove nearly 90% of the dye's color in just 30 hours.
The Secret Lies in a Special Enzyme
The secret lies in a special enzyme called BuMdeH. This enzyme is like a tiny machine that needs zinc to work. When scientists removed this enzyme from the bacterium, its dye-removing power dropped. On the other hand, when they gave this enzyme to a different bacterium, E. coli, its dye-removing power shot up.
Breaking Down the Dye
The enzyme doesn't just change the dye's color; it also breaks it down into safer bits. Scientists found two of these bits:
- Bit 1
- Bit 2
