Indigosol red is one of the batik dyes used in Indonesia’s batik industry. This industrial activity produces liquid waste. Based on liquid waste quality standards, it is explained that chromium is one of the parameters in the standard of textile waste quality. Several selected fungi are found to be potential organisms to decolorize and remove heavy metal chromium from batik waste effluent. Aspergillus sp., and Penicillium sp. which were isolated from batik effluent have been elaborated in this study. In addition, Phanerochaeta chrysoporium was applied as a comparative isolate. This research discussed the role of the fungal decolorization and removal of heavy metals from batik effluent. The effects of incubation period and biomass on the removal was also studied. The results showed that the fungi were able to decolorize and remove chromium. The decolorization percentage of Aspergillus sp. on the third, fifth and seventh days was 85.97%, 86.10%, and 76.39%, whereas for Penicillium sp. isolates were 84.54%, 84.78%, and 85.61%, respectively. The percentage of P. chrysoporium decolorization value was far below both fungi. The fungi were able to reduce the Cr concentration of batik effluent. The range of values varied from 83 to 86%. The most effective fungi to decolorize and remove chromium was Penicillium sp. in five days incubation time, with the largest biomass of 0.64 g. Penicillium sp. could be used as chromium decolorization and removal.

Ratna Stia Dewi

Aris Mumpuni

Rissa Arisyi Yusiana