International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

The textile sector significantly contributes to environmental pollution, mainly attributed to the release of dye effluents. These effluents contain toxic, recalcitrant compounds that adversely impact on aquatic ecosystems, soil integrity, and human well-being. This study intends to screen and investigate the possibilities of locally isolated river-derived fungi as agents for bioremediation of dye pollution and human health. Fungi obtained from the surface water of the Noyyal river in Tiruppur were evaluated for their capacity to decolorize synthetic dyes using the tube agar overlay technique. Of the 15 isolates tested, 2 isolates demonstrated complete dye decolourisation of 0.01% Congo red and Rose Bengal in two media (PDA and SMS). Results showed that the gene sequence analysis verified the identities of these dye decolorising fungi as Penicillium singorense. (NRS2), and Aspergillus ochraceus. (NRS15). Further assays in liquid media with varying dye concentrations (50 mg/l, 100 mg/l, 150 mg/l, and 200 mg/l) revealed that Penicillium singorense. decolorized Congo Red by 71% (50 mg/l), 81% (100 mg/l), 92% (150 mg/l), and 91% (200 mg/l). Decolorization of Rose Bengal exceeded 95% across all concentrations. Aspergillus ochraceus. decolorized Congo Red by 83% (50 mg/l), 89% (100 mg/l), 91% (150 mg/l), and 96% (200 mg/l), while Rose Bengal decolorization efficiency decreased with increasing concentration. Phytotoxicity studies using Triticum aestivum demonstrated reduced toxicity of dye decolourisation products compared to untreated dyes. These findings suggest the possible application of fungal isolate for sustainable bioremediation of textile dye wastewater.