Decolorization of Dye Solutions by a Ceramic Membrane Bioreactor using Trametes Versicolor KCTC 16781

Abstract

The fungal biodegradation of dye solutions using enzyme catalyzed oxidation may be a feasible alternative to conventional biological treatment processes. White rot fungi are considered one of the most promising microorganisms in bioremediation of recalcitrant xenobiotic compounds. The extracellular enzymes, lignin peroxide (LiP) and manganese peroxidase (MnP), from white rot fungi play an important role in degradation of chemical compounds. Recently, enzymatic biodegradation methods and its modifications using membrane process for decolorization are attracting much attention. The membrane allows the reuse of expensive enzyme in wastewater treatment from dyeing process. This technology makes it possible not only degradation but also the recovery of valuable components from effluent streams. In this study, ceramic membrane bioreactor using white-rot fungi for decolorization of dye solutions was studied. The tubular membrane filtration device was used for the ultrafiltration and nanofiltration system. Alumina and zirconia ceramic membrane was applied for filtration of biomass and residual dyes. The decolorizations of dye solutions by a fungus, Trametes versicolor KCTC 16781, were investigated. The function and the activity of the extracellular enzymes for decolorization were examined. The feasibility of ceramic membrane bioreactor using fungal biodegradation to improve permeate flux and separation efficiencies in dye solutions was also studied. The effects of operating parameters of membrane filtration such as type of dye, dye concentration on the flux and rejection were investigated. Conclusively, this ceramic membrane bi