Biosorption and biodegradation potential of triphenylmethane dyes by newly discovered Penicillium simplicissimum isolated from indoor wastewater sample

• First report of Penicillium. simplicissimum from indoor waste for removal of TPM dyes.
• First report of biodegradation potential of P. simplicissimum on TPM dyes.
• LiP and NADH-DCIP reductase contribute to biodegradation of TPM dyes.
• Biomass, dye concentration, oxygen and cell viability influenced dye removal.

Penicillium simplicissimum (isolate 10, KP713758), a contaminant from indoor wastewater was studied for biosorption and biodegradation activities towards triphenylmethane (TPM) dyes. This newly discovered isolate demonstrated strong decolorization activities towards Methyl Violet (MV, 100 mg l−1), Crystal Violet (CV, 100 mg l−1) and Cotton Blue (CB, 50 mg l−1), with 98%, 95% and 82% removed within 13, 14 and 1 day(s). Malachite Green (MG, 100 mg l−1), the most recalcitrant dye, was partially decolorized (54%) by day 14. The biodegradation potential of P. simplicissimum was detected by the reduction in dye spectra peaks. Induced lignin peroxidase and NADH-DCIP reductase activities further suggested biodegradation potential. Batch studies revealed that decolorization activities of P. simplicissimum were influenced by the biomass used, initial dye concentrations, oxygen availability and cell viability, with optimum decolorization achieved using 2 g biomass, 100 mg l−1 dye concentration and in the absence of oxygen (except for CB).

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