In this study, Reactive Red, Remazol Blue, and Reactive Black B removal capacities of Synechocystis sp. and Phormidium sp. were investigated. The microorganisms were cultivated in 100 ml BG 11 medium and incubated at 30 degrees C under continuous illumination (12.5 w m(-2) (2400 lx)) for 20 days in plant growth chamber. Trials were carried out at pH 9.5 for Reactive Red, pH 8.5 for Remazol Blue and Reactive Black B removal in media without and with triacontanol (TRIA). Removal capacities of Synechocystis sp. and Phormidium sp. were found higher in media containing TRIA. So that, Synechocystis sp. and Phormidium sp. removed Reactive Red with 25.7% and 35.4%, Remazol Blue with 37.5% and 25.5%, and Reactive Black B with 29.2% and 28.3% yield at 25 mg l(-1) dye concentrations, respectively. There is no report investigating dye removal by Synechocystis sp. and removal of pollutants in media including TRIA hormone. Our data indicated the cyanobacteria tested in this study were suitable for effective treatment processes of such wastewaters including reactive dyes, and their removal capacity could be increased by TRIA, through stimulation of the biomass production. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.