This work demonstrated that Shewanella decolorationis NTOU1 decolorized 200 mg l(-1) of crystal violet, malachite green, or methyl violet B within 2-11 h under anaerobic conditions at 35 degrees C. The initial color removal rate of malachite green was highest, while that of methyl violet was lowest. GC/MS analyses of the intermediate compounds produced during and after decolorization of malachite green and methyl violet B suggested that biodegradation of these dyes involved reduction to leuco form, N-demethylation, and reductive splitting of the triphenyl rings. The number of N-methylated groups of these dyes might have influenced decolorization rates and the reductive splitting of the triphenyl rings of these dyes. Cytotoxicity and antimicrobial test data showed that malachite green and methyl violet B solution (100 mg l(-1)) were toxic. Toxicity of the dyes decreased after their decolorization, but further incubation resulted in increased toxicity. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.