[Decolorization of reactive blue KN-R by Penicillium oxalicum BX1 adsorption]

The biomass of Penicillium oxalicum BX1 could adsorb many kinds of dyes. The effect of temperature, carbon source and pH on its growth and its adsorption to Reactive Blue KN-R were studied. To avoid the toxicity of the dye on BX1 biomass growth, BX1 culture and its adsorption to the dye were separated. It was found that there were three phases during BX1 growth: spore activation, linear growth and decay. The rate of BX1 growth in different carbon sources followed the order of starch > xylose > sucrose > maltrose> glucose > lactose. The optimum pH value of BX1 growth was 4.0. The decolorization rate for KN-R was 93.7% after 120 min adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity (Reactive Blue KN-R/dry biomass) was 159 mg/g in 20 degrees C.