Investigating the optimum conditions for azo dye (methyl orange and methyl red) decolorization from aqueous solution using oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus): a mycoremediation approach

Abstract

Since conventional dye removal techniques require a substantial amount of energy and chemicals, this study evaluated the utilization of Pleurotus ostreatus, a species of fungus, in an environmentally beneficial mycoremediation approach to decolorize two azo dyes, methyl orange (MO) and methyl red (MR), in a liquid medium. Pleurotus ostreatus was utilized under standard circumstances in the solutions containing 0.05% (w/v) MO and 0.05% (w/v) MR, without undergoing any genetic modifications. By analyzing the effects of time (6, 12, and 18 days), temperature (15 °C to 40 °C), pH (4 to 7), and inoculum volume (1 to 25 mL) on the decolorization rate of P. ostreatus, the ideal environment for the decolorization of MO and MR was determined. The highest rate of decolorization was evident at 25 °C temperature, pH 7 within 18 days of incubation, P. ostreatus could decolorize 0.05 g MO up to 97% when added in 10 mL inoculum volume on the other hand 0.05 g MR up to 93% in 15 mL inoculum volume at pH 6. Furthermore, the dye uptake rate after 18 days for MO was 59.25% and MR was 53.97% which indicated that P. ostreatus had a better uptake efficiency for MO than MR. Based on its ability to decolorize both MO and MR under suitable circumstances, the study concludes that P. ostreatus offers an appreciable mycoremediation approach for removing dye pigments from industrial wastewater.