Laccase-mediator system in the decolorization of different types of recalcitrant dyes

Phloroglucinol, thymol, and violuric acid (VIO) were selected as laccase mediators after screening 14 different compounds with indigo carmine (indigoid dye) as a substrate. With the presence of these three mediators, a nearly complete decolorization (90-100%) was attained in 1 h. Thus, these three compounds were used as mediators for the decolorization of other four dyes. The results indicated that VIO was effective mediator in decolorization of Remazol brilliant blue R (RBBR, anthraquinoid dye) and Coomassie brilliant blue G-250 (CBB, triphenylmethane dyes), and Acid red (diazo dye). In presence of VIO, the four dyes described above attained 70% decolorization. Thymol was able to mediate decolorization of RBBR and Azure A (heterocyclic dye). Phloroglucinol has no mediating capability in decolorization of the four dyes analyzed. Mediator concentration, pH, and copper ion have an effect on the decolorization of the RBBR. Our data suggested that the decolorization capabilities of laccase/mediator system were related to the types of mediator, the dye structure and decolorization condition.