Decolourization of malachite green dye by endolichenic fungi from the lichen Usnea sp.: A novel study on their dye removal potential

摘要

ObjectiveThis novel study explored the potential of two endolichenic fungi,Pseudopestalotiopsis theae(PT, accession number MG881833) andAstrocystis bambusae(AB, accession number MH370741) in decolorizing Malachite Green (MG).MethodsTheir efficacy in dye decolorization was compared to non-endolichenic fungusTrichoderma asperellum(TA, accession number KP792512). Decolorization test was performed using MG (100?ppm) for 14?days (absorbance at 617?nm) to determine decolorization efficiency (DE, %). The pellet was collected for FTIR analysis (4000 to 700?cm?1, 50-scan speed) while the supernatant was analysed with UV-spectral analysis (300–800?nm) to detect for biodegradation.ResultsP. theaedemonstrated the highest decolorization efficiency (DE%) at 89.22%, followed byT. asperellum(76.19%) andA. bambusae(67.69%). Common functional groups (i.e., OH, COOH, NH, CH, CO, CH) were detected in all isolates and their roles in biosorption were evident by the shifts in peaks and peak intensity. Biodegradation of MG was concluded based on UV-spectra peaks at 617?nm, which were significantly reduced (or absent).ConclusionThis study is the first to reveal that endolichenic fungiP. theaeandA. bambusaeare capable of decolorizing the toxic dye malachite green.