Decolorization of Azo Dyes by Aspergillus sojae B-10

Biodegradation of azo dyes such as Amaranth, Sudan III and Congo-Red by Aspergillus sojae B-10 was demonstrated using Aspergillus sojae B-10. Aspergillus sojae B-10 showed the greatest decolorization ability when it was cultivated in a nitrogen-limited medium containing, azo dyes(10 mg/l), 2.0% glucose, 0.06% sodium nitrate, 0.1% $KH_PO_4$, 0.5% MgSO_4$ㆍ$7H_2O$ at pH 5.0 and $37^\circ{C}$ for 5 days. Under optimal conditions, Amaranth started being decolorized within 24 hr and was almost complete after decolorization of 4 days incubation. Sudan III was completely decolorized after a cultivation of 5 days. However, Congo-Red was not completely decolorized until 5 days of cultivation.