Spectroscopy & Analytical Techniques

Filamentous fungi are known for their effective and efficient biosorbent properties.In this study, Penicillium citrinum strain LAG decolorized Eriochrome black T dye within five days. Maximum decolorization (98%) was achieved at a concentration (10 mg L-1), temperature (35 °C), pH 6 and 2.0 g cell biomass during optimization scale up studies. The enzymes activities showed 63% and 55% induction of laccase and lignin peroxidase respectively. UV-Vis spectroscopy, HPLC and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used in analyzing the degraded products of the dye. The GCMS analysis revealed the production of three metabolites; naphthalen-1-ol, 2-nitronaphthalene and naphthalene after degradation of Eriochrome black T dye. A possible metabolic pathway for the degradation of Eriochrome black T dye by Penicillium citrinum was proposed. The detoxified status of the dye metabolites were confirmed with significant growth of plumule and radicle coupled with increase in germination percentage of Phaseolus mungo and Triticum aestivum.