Microfungi for the removal of toxic triphenylmethane dyes

Abstract

Triphenylmethane (TPM) dyes are a group of aromatic, synthetic dyes used widely in industrial processes. The discharge of these dyes into the environment demands strict monitoring and treatment due to their toxicity and cancer-inducing possibilities. The inexpensive, environmental-friendly biological treatment of TPM dyes using microfungi is an attractive remediation approach compared to the conventional physico-chemical methods. A diverse population of microfungi (comprising of members with microscopic fruiting bodies), such as white-rot and non-white-rot fungi, have demonstrated potential in removing TPM dyes via biosorption and biodegradation. Enzymes involved in dye decolourization include laccase, lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase and reductases. The biosorption and biodegradation activities of microfungi are influenced by nutrients, pH, temperature, initial dye concentration and biomass concentration. This chapter discusses the various strains of microfungi with TPM dye-decolourizing potential, as well as their mechanisms, optimum conditions and some current technological applications for these useful microfungi to remove TPM dyes.