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Environmental Transformation and Aquatic Toxicity of Synthetic Dyes: Parent Compounds, Transformation Products, and Treatment Implications

Dr. K. Venkata Krishna

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Government Degree College for Women (A), Nalgonda

94-100

Vol: 15, Issue: 1, 2025

Receiving Date: 2025-01-31 Acceptance Date:

2025-02-25

Publication Date:

2025-03-13

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http://doi.org/10.37648/ijrst.v15i01.008

Abstract

Synthetic dyes are chemically diverse contaminants whose effects on aquatic organisms depend on molecular structure, exposure conditions, environmental transformation and biological susceptibility. This narrative review examines azo, anthraquinone and triarylmethane dyes, distinguishing the hazards of parent compounds from those of their transformation products. Reductive cleavage of an azo linkage can produce aromatic amines, but the identities and toxicological properties of the products cannot be generalized across the entire dye class. The review distinguishes laboratory toxicity, human carcinogenic hazard and ecological risk, using selected literature published on or before 31 December 2022. An embryo–larval fathead minnow study reported LC₅₀ values based on measured aqueous concentrations of 25.4 μg/L for Disperse Yellow 7 and 16.7 μg/L for Sudan Red G in exposures extending to 14 days post-hatch; these laboratory values must not be described as demonstrated adverse concentrations in receiving waters. IARC classifications further demonstrate why malachite green and leucomalachite green require separate treatment. Practical assessment should combine parent and product measurements, relevant biological endpoints and wastewater-specific treatment evaluation. Colour removal alone does not establish mineralization or detoxification.

Keywords: azo dyes; aromatic amines; transformation products; aquatic ecotoxicology; genotoxicity; malachite green; textile wastewater.

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