Dyes and Unveiling the Environmental Story of Dye Pollution

Dyes, being natural or synthetic, are renowned for their vibrant colours, which come from a group of atoms known as chromophores. There are around 14 different types of dye. The majority of dyes are used by textile industries for fabric manufacturing, and many of these dyes are toxic in nature and possess complex structures. During dyeing and finishing operations, nearly 2 lakh tonnes of dye are introduced into water bodies. Due to their exceptional stability against heat, temperature, light, chemicals, water, and other parameters, these dyes are sustained in the environment for a long period of time, causing severe harm to marine and aquatic bodies. In order to have minimal effects of dyes on the environment, we must look for alternatives or find out effective methods to degrade these hazardous chemicals. This chapter aims to delve into the creation of dyes, their widespread usage, the detrimental effects on our environment, and the techniques available to identify dye pollution.