Screening and identification of yeasts for decolorizing synthetic dyes in industrial wastewater

Among 44 yeast strains tested for ability to degrade textile dyes, two novel strains, Pseudozyma rugulosa Y-48 and Candida krusei G-1, were selected and identified because they exhibited excellent color removal from various dyes. P. rugulosa Y-48 and C. krusei G-1 could remove the reactive azo dye, Reactive Brilliant Red K-2BP (200mgL-1), giving up to 99% decolorization in 24 h. P. rugulosa Y-48 could also remove 22-98% of seven other dyes (50mgL-1) and C. krusei G-1 62-94%. Of the seven dyes, all azo dyes were most easily decolorized by these yeasts. Further analysis showed that decolorization of the dyes tested proceeded primarily by biodegradation.