Enhanced Biodegradation of Carmoisine Dye Using a Co-Culture in Microbial Fuel Cells Anode: A Sustainable Approach to Wastewater Treatment

Carmoisine dye degradation was studied using a single-chambered Microbial Fuel Cell (sMFC). The dye was added to the anode chamber along with a co-culture of Pseudomonas putida OsEnB_HZB_G20 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA1_NCHU. These two strains are recognized for MFC performance enhancement and extracellular polymeric substances degradation. Among these strains, P. putida OsEnB_HZHB_G20 had the highest degradation capability across dye concentrations. Optimal degradation occurs after 30 h incubation at 37°C and pH 7. HPLC analysis results showed a sharp decrease in Carmoisine peak area that is from 100.069 to 18.558, confirming efficient breakdown of the dye compound. Furthermore, this co-culture ratio of 1:1 significantly enhanced electricity generation as peak power density achieved was 12.95 W/m³ at 125 mg/L Carmoisine. This clearly indicates a synergistic relationship existing between these bacterial strains such that both dyes can be degraded to bioelectricity production. It further emphasizes the importance of MFCs in achieving efficient wastewater treatment coupled with energy recovery.