Decolourization, degradation and detoxification of textile dyes by Aspergillus species

Decolourization, degradation and detoxification of four textile dyes (Madonna Blue, Pagoda Red, Market Blue and Market Red) by four Aspergillus species was carried out. The decolourization/degradation ability of the isolates was analyzed on the fifth day using UV/Visible spectrophotometer and FTIR spectrophotometer, while detoxification of the dyes was determined using phytotoxicity test. At the initial concentration of 200 mg/L of the dyes, the percentage decolourization potential of the fungal isolates ranged between 80.89 and 86.26% for Madonna Blue, 71.38–84.76% for Market Red, 70.46–79.46% for Market Blue and 60.68–74.82% for Pagoda Red in decreasing order. Aspergillus fumigatus (8F) demonstrated consistently highest decolourization potential for all the dyes than other isolates. Decrease in percentage decolourization of the dyes was observed when the concentration of the dyes was increased gradually from 100 to 500 mg/L at 100 mg/L interval. Percentage decolourization of Pagoda Red reduced from 60.68 to 10.31%, 66.47 to 19.71%, and 74.82 to 26.19% with A. ustus (3D), A. fumigatus (3E) and A. fumigatus (8F) respectively. Degradation of the dyes moiety using FTIR spectrum showed loss of functional groups such as C=O, C=N, C=C and C–H stretch of benzene, with the formation of new functional groups such as N=O group, C≡C group and OH group of alcohol in the Madonna Blue and Pagoda Red samples treated with A. fumigatus (8F) when compared with untreated samples. Phytotoxicity study of the treated and untreated dye samples on maize germination showed the plumule and radicle length of positive control (water) to be 12.38 ± 1.20 and 5.62 ± 0.33 while untreated Madonna Blue was 6.68 ± 1.10 and 3.34 ± 0.92, A. fumigatus (3E) treated sample had 8.60 ± 0.59 and 4.32 ± 0.91 respectively. This study revealed the metabolic versatility of Aspergillus species to decolourize, degrade and detoxify textile dyes.