Screening and identification of yeasts for decolorizing synthetic dyes in industrial wastewater

Among 44 yeast strains tested for ability to degrade textile dyes, two novel strains, Pseudozyma rugulosa Y-48 and Candida krusei G-1, were selected and identified because they exhibited excellent color removal from various dyes. P. rugulosa Y-48 and C krusei G-1 could remove the reactive azo dye, Reactive Brilliant Red K-2BP (200 mgL(-1)), giving up to 99% decolorization in 24h. P. rugulosa Y-48 could also remove 22-98% of seven other dyes (50 mgL(-1)) and C krusei G-1 62-94%. Of the seven dyes, all azo dyes were most easily decolorized by these yeasts. Further analysis showed that decolorization of the dyes tested proceeded primarily by biodegradation. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.