Abstract

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Crystal violet is a synthetic triphenylmethane dye that serves as a biological stain which can also be used in dyeing textile materials. It is toxic and remains in the environment for longer periods, as such needs to be treated before discharge. This study was carried out to assess the biosorption potentials of Aspergillus striatus, Bacillus megaterium, Chlorella vulgaris and Fusarium equiseti on crystal violet dye. This was achieved through inoculation of pure cultures of the organisms into the dye solution. The highest percentage biosorption for all the test organisms was obtained at 24 hours after inoculation, with Fusarium equiseti recording 94.7%, Aspergillus striatus, 89.5%, Chlorella vulgaris, 77.1% and Bacillus megaterium, 68.8%. The results indicated no significant difference in dye removal among the four species with Fusarium equiseti having the highest biosorption potential and Bacillus megaterium the least. A multilayer biosorption pattern was predicted as the biosorption process fitted with the Freundlich's isotherm. To avoid further environmental contamination more eco-friendly strategies for generating dye-degrading organisms that can detoxify dyes should be introduced

Keywords: Aspergillus striatus, Bacillus megaterium, Chlorella vulgaris, Crystal violet, Fusarium equiseti