Biodecolorization and Biodegradation of Sulfur Black by the Strain Aspergillus sp. DS-28

Abstract

The textile industry significantly contributes to environmental pollution through its use of synthetic dyes, especially sulfur black, known for its toxicity and resistance to degradation. This research focuses on a fungal strain, Aspergillus sp. strain DS-28, isolated from activated sludge, which exhibits an exceptional ability to biodegrade sulfur black dye. This study systematically assessed the biodegradation capacity of this strain through a series of experiments conducted over a 7-day period. Analytical techniques including high-performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-TOF/MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to monitor the degradation process. SEM showed a significant reduction in particle size, with surfaces becoming smoother and flatter post treatment. XRD indicated a decrease in the intensity of several chemical bonds, and FTIR analysis demonstrated the enhanced vibrational absorption peaks of benzene ring bonds, with the disappearance of -C-S- and -C-S-S-C- groups. The results demonstrate that Aspergillus sp. DS-28 degrades sulfur black by initiating the oxidative breakdown of its complex structures into simpler forms. This study not only elucidates the biodegradation pathway facilitated by Aspergillus sp. DS-28, but also highlights its potential application in developing eco-friendly waste management strategies for treating dye-contaminated wastewater.