This mini-review by McMullan et al. discusses the microbial decolourisation and degradation of textile dyes, focusing on the mechanisms employed by various microorganisms, particularly actinomycetes and aerobic bacteria. The textile industry is a significant source of pollution, with wastewater containing high levels of dyes, especially azo-based compounds, which pose environmental and health risks. Environmental legislation has led to increased interest in bioremediation technologies for treating textile wastewater. Actinomycetes, particularly Streptomyces species, are known for their ability to produce extracellular peroxidases that can oxidize and decolourise dyes. Studies have shown that actinomycetes can effectively decolourise and mineralize textile dyes, including azo dyes, through the production of peroxidases. The decolourisation process involves the conversion of azo dyes into cation radicals, which are then split by water or hydrogen peroxide, leading to the formation of more stable intermediates. Other aerobic bacteria, such as Pseudomonas strains, have also been found to decolourise and mineralise dyes, particularly sulfonated azo dyes. These bacteria utilize oxygen-insensitive azoreductases, such as Orange I and Orange II azoreductases, to convert azo dyes into less toxic compounds. The review highlights the potential of microbial bioremediation as a low-cost, environmentally friendly, and publicly acceptable solution for treating textile wastewater.This mini-review by McMullan et al. discusses the microbial decolourisation and degradation of textile dyes, focusing on the mechanisms employed by various microorganisms, particularly actinomycetes and aerobic bacteria. The textile industry is a significant source of pollution, with wastewater containing high levels of dyes, especially azo-based compounds, which pose environmental and health risks. Environmental legislation has led to increased interest in bioremediation technologies for treating textile wastewater. Actinomycetes, particularly Streptomyces species, are known for their ability to produce extracellular peroxidases that can oxidize and decolourise dyes. Studies have shown that actinomycetes can effectively decolourise and mineralize textile dyes, including azo dyes, through the production of peroxidases. The decolourisation process involves the conversion of azo dyes into cation radicals, which are then split by water or hydrogen peroxide, leading to the formation of more stable intermediates. Other aerobic bacteria, such as Pseudomonas strains, have also been found to decolourise and mineralise dyes, particularly sulfonated azo dyes. These bacteria utilize oxygen-insensitive azoreductases, such as Orange I and Orange II azoreductases, to convert azo dyes into less toxic compounds. The review highlights the potential of microbial bioremediation as a low-cost, environmentally friendly, and publicly acceptable solution for treating textile wastewater.