Feasibility of Aspergillus keratitidis InaCC1016 for synthetic dyes removal in dyes wastewater treatment

Several industries produce waste that can not be degraded naturally or toxic to a living organism, i.e., dyes waste. Fungi were considered as the best candidates for dyes waste treatment among other microorganisms because of fungi more resistance in the lack of nutrient conditions. Besides, their biomass can also function as an adsorbent that was able to absorb dyes so that it is more effectively applied. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility Aspergillus keratitidis to degrade Congo Red (CR) and Methylene Blue (MB) in the solid and liquid state. Dyes decolorization in the solid-state was observed based on clear zone produced, and in the liquid state, decolorization was determined spectrophotometrically. A. keratitidis was able to decolorize synthetic dyes in both media, solid and liquid state. CR was more effective dyes to be removed by A. keratitidis than MB. This fungus able to decolorize about 96% of 200 ppm CR within seven days and 63% of 100 ppm MB within ten days. Moreover, MB was more toxic dyes than CR, which inhibited A. keratitidis growth. A. keratitis was suggested involved lignolytic enzyme on dyes decolorization due to it can degrade lignin compound, but it needs a further study to prove it. Based on our knowledge, this is the first report about a potential study of A. keratitidis in dyes decolorization and lignin degradation activity.