Biodecolourisation of reactive red an industrial dye by Phlebia spp.

Four white rot fungi namely Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Phlebia floridensis, P. radiata and P. brevispora were selected for their ligninolytic enzymes viz., lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase and laccase. Cell free enzyme extracts (as such and concentrated) obtained from these fungi were tested for their ability to decolourise reactive red 28 (Congo red), an industrial dye. The use of cell free enzyme extracts helped to overcome the problem of adsorption of dye to mycelia. Laccase production was best expressed in P. brevispora. Increase in decolourisation percentage by concentrated culture extract was comparable to increase in enzyme activity. P. floridensis proved to be a better dye decolouriser in comparison to Pha. chrysosporium, thus showing its potential for biocleaning of industrial wastes and wastewaters.