Research articleSeparation of peroxidases from Miscanthus x giganteus, their partial characterisation and application for degradation of dyes

•Increased metal content in rhizome correlates positively with the activity of POX.•Concentrations of Zn, Mn or Fe and proteins in rhizome are negatively correlated.•There are much greater quantities of acidic than basic POX isoforms.•Activity of acidic POX isoforms decreases at 50 °C, whereas basic at 40 °C.•CBB R250 is degraded by basic, while Amidoblack 10b by acidic POX isoforms.

Due to wide applicative potential of peroxidases (POXs), the search for novel sources and forms, possibly with better characteristics and performances, is justified. In this study, POXs from Miscanthus x giganteus rhizomes grown in chernozem-like soil and mine tailings were examined. Higher activity of POXs in samples originating from the metal-contaminated soil was found. The quantity of acidic isoforms was much greater than basic. The rates of reactions catalysed by acidic POX isoforms decreased slightly at 50 °C, whereas stability of basic isoforms was affected at 40 °C. Concentrations of Zn, Mn and Fe were higher in rhizomes grown in mine tailings, and negatively correlated with the concentration of proteins. Basic POX isoforms effectively degraded CBB R250, while Amidoblack 10b was predominantly degraded by acidic isoforms. Thus, Miscanthus x giganteus can be used as a source of POXs which can be applied for dye decomposition and, possibly, waste water management.