Article

The aim of this study was to compare the decolorization of several of the most utilized synthetic dyes in textile applications by immobilized white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor. Different immobilization methods for achieving maximum decolorization were explored. The initial dye concentration was 125 mg/L and the immobilized preparation concentration was 10 % (w/v). Different degrees of decolorization were observed. Different operational stability of the immobilized preparations was accomplished. Increase of the immobilized preparation concentration up to 30 % (w/v) was investigated. The study was performed in two stages: simulated incubation in a ‘batch’ reactor and trickle-bed continuous flow reactor. During the decolorization process, laccase activity was detected. The dye-decolorizing activity of the immobilized culture was found to be associated with the processes of biodegradation, bio-oxidation and biosorption.