Influence of culture parameters on paper mill effluent decolourization by a white rot fungus Ganoderma lucidum

Efficacy of a white rot fungus G. lucidum for reduction of colour of paper mill effluent under various growth conditions was evaluated. G. lucidum cultured in IBME medium supported maximum colour reduction on 18th day of fungal growth. The optimization of growth parameters further improved colour reduction. The 18 day old culture at 4 g/l inoculum concentration resulted in maximum decolourization (89%) of the effluent with pH adjusted to 6.5 at 35 degrees C along with maximum reduction in biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand. Relative contribution of lignin peroxidase and laccase to the decolourization of paper mill effluent by G. lucidum was also observed.