Immobilization of Trametes versicolor Lignin Peroxidase on Carbodiimide-activated Charcoal for Potential Application in Dye Removal from Food-based Effluents

Abstract

Enzyme instability and recovery may limit the practical use of ligninolytic enzymes that originate from white-rot fungus for the management of colored industrial effluents. This study examined the use of a crude cellulose synthesis enzyme preparation from Trametes versicolor in conjunction with a charcoal-based support to treat wastewater from food processing. Spectrophotometric analysis was utilized to assess the conditions of mushroom biomass extraction and charcoal treatment, while FTIR, XRD, SEM, and dynamic light scattering were employed to investigate changes in the charcoal material after modification. The improved charcoal preparation showed alterations in its surface functional groups, scattering profile, shape, and hydrodynamic size distribution; the optimal extraction temperature examined was 30 °C. Shezan International Limited in Lahore provided food-processing wastewater, which was first physically pretreated before being treated with an enzyme preparation and charcoal-based substance. Following treatment, a decrease in UV-Vis absorbance was noted, suggesting color removal. The decrease in absorbance cannot be taken as proof of enzymatic dye degradation because hydrogen peroxide can contribute to chemical oxidation and charcoal can independently absorb color-causing chemicals. The results underline the necessity for quantifiable immobilization, adsorption, stability, and degradation-product studies while supporting the potential of the charcoal-supported ligninolytic enzyme system for additional research.