| The application of white rot fungi in decolorizing textile dyes was investigated in this study. Nine white rot fungi were used. After the screening test in agar plates, it was found that six strains of the fungi had the capability to decolorize dyes. A completely randomized design was used to statistically analyze the effects of fungi, dye, glucose concentration, and dye concentration on fungal decolorization. It was found all of these four effects were significant. Two of the fungi, Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Pleurotus ostreatus, have significant better effect on dye decolorization. Increasing glucose concentration and decreasing dye concentration could improve fungal dye decolorization.; P. chrysosporium and P. ostreatus were tested their capability in starch degradation and it was found that both of the two fungi could degrade starch during their growth. The efficiency of P. chrysosporium and P. ostreatus in dye decolorization in liquid medium was investigated, and glucose and starch were compared as the primary carbon source. The results showed P. ostreatus was better in decolorizing high soluble dyes such as acid and reactive dyes, while P. chrysosporium was better in decolorizing low soluble dyes such as vat and disperse dyes. When starch was used as the primary carbon source, fungal dye decolorization was faster than when glucose was used, especially for P. ostreatus.; P. chrysosporium and P. ostreatus have the capability to decolorize simulated textile effluent containing several dyes and some dyeing additives such as surfactant and salt. The presence of surfactant Tween 80 was not detrimental to fungal dye decolorization, however, the presence of sodium chloride was harmful to fungal dye decolorization. P. chrysosporium and P. ostreatus can also reduce the COD value of simulated dyeing effluent. |
