A Review: Exploring the Bioremediation Potential of Pongamia pinnata and Lagenaria siceraria Oils in Textile Dye Degradation

Abstract

Background: Textile industries discharge large quantities of synthetic dyes into aquatic ecosystems, leading to serious environmental and health hazards due to the dyes toxic, carcinogenic, and persistent characteristics. Conventional physicochemical treatment methods are often expensive, inefficient, and environmentally unsustainable, necessitating the development of alternative, eco-friendly approaches for dye removal. This review explores the potential of plant-derived oils, specifically those from Pongamia pinnata and Lagenaria siceraria, as sustainable agents for textile dye degradation. Methods: The review synthesizes existing literature on the taxonomy, phytochemical composition, and functional properties of Pongamia pinnata and Lagenaria siceraria oils, emphasizing their interaction with microbial and enzymatic systems that facilitate dye degradation. Results: Oils from these plants are rich in fatty acids and bioactive phytochemicals that enhance microbial metabolism, enzymatic activity, and adsorption processes, leading to effective decolorization and degradation of complex dye structures such as azo and anthraquinone dyes. Conclusion Pongamia pinnata and Lagenaria siceraria oils exhibit significant potential as natural biostimulants in bioremediation and wastewater treatment. Further studies should focus on optimizing the use of these plant-based resources through integrated biotechnological approaches to achieve large-scale, sustainable dye degradation in textile wastewater management.