Potential of fungal laccase in decolorization of synthetic dyes

Abstract

The continuous discharge of effluents containing synthetic dyes and nonessential heavy metals at a continually increasing rate, even beyond permissible level from various industries into adjoining aquatic environment, might result in accumulation and subsequent magnification to dangerous level, thus affecting marine life. Recent research have used enzymes to remove phenolic compounds and synthetic dyes from contaminated wastewater. Oxidoreductive enzymes, such as laccases, have the potential of degrading a wide range of aromatic pollutants and their substrates present in a shallow concentration in the contaminated sites. The use of fungal laccases in the decolorization of some recalcitrant textile and nontextile dyes need redox mediators for effective treatment of wastewater; hence, they will prove to be a cheaper alternative for the removal of aromatic pollutants from wastewater. The present review focuses on recent developments in the treatment of specific pollutants and synthetic dyes using fungal laccases. © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.