Screening of Basidiomycetes with laccase activity for lignin degradation on POME

Abstract

Laccase producing Basidiomycetes were selected to degrade lignin on Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). The selection to obtain fungal isolates which produce high activity ligninolytic enzymes has been done continuously. The objective of the research was to isolate high activity enzymes producing fungus and obtain the data on enzyme activity changes after the addition of inducer. Fruiting body of fungus were collected in surrounding area of Cibinong Sciences Centre and Bogor Botanical Garden. Twelve isolates were obtained and all of the isolates could grow on Poly R-478. Isolate Mycena sp J24 produced the highest laccase activity. The fungus was able to decolorize Poly R-478 as much as 89.73% in 21 days incubation. The addition of CuSO ₄ increased decolorization rate as much as 2.32%. Mycena sp J24 reduced 33.82% of POME color in fifteen days incubation. The addition of CuSO ₄ increased POME decolorization as much as 72.11%. This fungus could also reduce COD level on POME as much as 33.14% in fifteen days incubation. The addition of veratryl alcohol increased the reduction of COD level as much as 55.15%. Mycena sp J24 produced the highest amount of laccase and could be applied on POME degradation as well.