Comparative decolorization of four synthetic textile dyes by five white-rot fungi using the plate volume method

Five white rot fungal species (Earliella scabrosa, Lentinus squarrosulus, Schizophyllum commune, Trametes sp.1, and Trametes sp.2) were evaluated for their ability to decolorize four synthetic textile dyes (Remazol Brilliant Blue R [RBBR], Reactive Orange 16, Reactive Black 5, and Amaranth) on agar plates supplemented with 50, 100, and 150 ppm of each dye. Decolorization zones were measured every 48 h across 14 days, and dye decolorization percentage was calculated using the Plate Volume Method (PVM). E. scabrosa decolorized all four dyes across the entire concentration range, although efficiency declined at high concentrations. L. squarrosulus decolorized RBBR and Reactive Black 5 dyes, completely removing RBBR even at 150 ppm, but achieving only 69% removal of Reactive Black 5 at that concentration. Trametes sp. 1 and 2 effectively decolorized RBBR by completely removing the dye even at 150 ppm, whereas S. commune exhibited no decolorization of any dye. Statistical analysis highlights potential differences in the characteristics or behaviors of these five fungal species, even when decolorizing the same textile dye. These findings identify E. scabrosa and L. squarrosulus as promising candidates for the biological treatment of dye-contaminated wastewater, supporting their potential scale-up in sustainable wastewater management solutions.