Potensi Jamur Penghasil Enzim Lakase dari Lantai Hutan dalam Mendekolorisasi Zat Warna Azo (Methyl Orange)

Abstract

Environmental pollution caused by industrial waste, particularly from the textile industry, poses a serious threat due to the persistence and toxicity of synthetic dyes such as azo compounds. A sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for dye removal is the use of white-rot fungi capable of producing laccase enzymes. This study aimed to isolate and identify laccase-producing fungi from forest floor samples and evaluate their potential in decolorizing methyl orange dye. A total of 21 fungal isolates were obtained, and four (ST01, ST05, HM02, and KL02) exhibited laccase activity, as indicated by reddish-brown zones on guaiacol-supplemented PDA medium. Enzyme activity was confirmed spectrophotometrically, with specific activity remaining stable throughout the 30-day incubation period. The highest decolorization of methyl orange was achieved by ST05 and KL02 isolates, reaching 69.95% and 71.94% respectively in glucose-supplemented media, and 28.58% and 37.70% without glucose. Molecular identification revealed that ST05 had 99.53% similarity with Phlebiopsis flavidoalba, and KL02 showed 98.41% similarity with Montagnula scabiosae. These findings suggest that tropical forest floor fungi represent promising candidates for bioremediation of azo dye contaminated wastewater through laccase mediated degradation.