Decolorization of textile dyes and effluents using potato (Solanum tuberosum) phenoloxidase

Potatoes are desirable source for polyphenol oxidase (PPO, EC 1.14.18.1) purification because this enzyme can be purified from the food industry waste such are potato peels from potato chips industry. This paper presents data concerning decolorization of 7 different, so far untested textile dyes and 3 real samples (industry effluents) by a partially purified PPO. Under optimized conditions 93–99.9% removal of dyes was achieved after 1 h using 424–1700 U ml−1 of PPO, depending on dye. Optimum pH for decolorization process of all dyes was found to be 3.0. Potato PPO was capable of removing reactive dyes and textile dye effluents without requiring any mediator. Decolorization was accomplished via insoluble polymers formations that were separated by filtration.

► Potato PPO is tested for three textile effluents and seven dyes decolorization.
► Decolorization is achieved through insoluble precipitate formation within 1 h.
► Best results are obtained at pH 3 and with 424 U of PPO.
► 93–99.9% of dyes were removed under optimized conditions.