ABSTRACT Industrial dye is one of the main sources of pollution to the aquatic and terrestrial environment leading to extensive effects on the ecosystem. Common methods of dye removal from the industrial waste are not efficient and not economical. Mycoremediation on the other hand, is a more preferred method due to its environment-friendly nature. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify potential fungi that are able to withstand as well as degrade Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR). Soil samples were collected from a textile manufacturing factory in Nilai, Malaysia (Récron). The soil fungi were identified by using Rose Bengal Agar and were later subcultured onto Potato Dextrose Agar. Screening for potential fungi was based on their tolerance towards RBBR at a range of 200 mg/L - 1000 mg/L in Potato Dextrose Broth. This was carried out by 14 days of specimen incubation followed by the study of the tolerance towards RBBR. The dry weight of the fungi obtained from centrifugation was utilized for RBBR tolerance screening while the supernatant was used for decolourization of RBBR. Potential fungal species for RBBR bioremediation were determined based on the highest decolourization activity and the highest biomass (g) obtained from the screening. The current study showed high tolerance of RBBR (up to 1000 mg/L) for Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus fumigatus and Trichoderma longibrachiatum and their decolourization activities were as high as 98.47%, 87.80%, and 84.53%, respectively. The current research supports the potential of these fungi species for bioremediation purposes.
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