Decoloration of azo dyes by three whiterot fungi: influence of carbon source.

Two strains of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and a local isolate of white-rot fungus, if pre-cultured in a high nitrogen medium with glucose, could decolorize two azo dyes (Amaranth and Orange G) and a heterocyclic dye (Azure B). When starch was used in the pre-cultivation medium, decoloration of Orange G occurred if the medium also contained 12MM NH4Cl, whether or not veratric acid was present. In medium containing 1.2MM NH4Cl and veratric acid, greater decoloration occurred with one strain of P. chrysosporium and the local isolate. In preculture medium with cellulose and 1.2MM NH4Cl, decoloration by the local isolate was enhanced but not that by the other strains.