Phytoremediation: An alternative approach for removal of dyes

Abstract Dyes are colored compounds extensively used for coloring products in industries such as textiles, leather tanning, cosmetics, pigmentation, and others. Synthetic dyes have almost substituted natural dyes due to their higher resistance toward washing, heat, light, pH, exposure to biological agents, etc. Various dyes used in the industrial process include azo dyes, sulfur dyes, pigment dyes, etc. Synthetic dyes possess various advantages compared to natural dyes; however, they cause serious adverse effects to the environment. With the rapid expansion of industries, especially textiles, the demand for dyes has increased and this creates a major cause of water pollution. Several studies reported that dyes are carcinogenic and mutagenic for humans. Due to their xenobiotic properties and chemical structures, they show resistance to degradation. Due to these problems, the removal of dyes using different methods is required. Biological method of using plant offers a low-cost, eco-friendly, and efficient substitute for dye removal. Phytoremediation uses plant roots to protect the environment by the 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 are able to manage the contaminants from a polluted site. Therefore, in this chapter, various problems associated with dyes and potential removal strategies using phytoremediation have been discussed.