Semarang – Diponegoro University Biotechnology Study Program on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 held a public lecture entitled “Role of Microbial Enzymes on Biotransformation of Emerging Contaminants”. This topic was brought directly by Dr. Tony Hadibarata, Ph.D is a researcher and lecturer from Curtin University Malaysia.
Emerging Contaminants (ECs) refer to organisms or chemical compounds that have a harmful impact on environmental life and can cause health problems for humans such as cancer, decreased immune system and nerve disorders. The main component of emerging contaminants (ECs) include pesticide, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), pharmaceuticals, personal care products (PCPs), flame retardants, and industrial additives.
Dr. Tony Hadibarata said that some organisms such as the fungus Pleurotus eryngii F032 can degrade azo dye Reactive Black 5 (RB5). RB5 itself is a textile dye that is widely used in industry, when this dye contaminates rivers, it can cause health risks to humans such as allergic reactions, respiratory problems and cancer. Pleurotus eryngii F032, which produces lignylolytic enzymes such as lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP), and laccase, is able to degrade RB5 contaminants into less or harmless components.
ECs itself is a serious threat in today’s industrial era that demands proper handling as well as environmentally friendly so that the risk of further dangers can be prevented and overcome. Utilization of microbial enzymes that have the potential as a bioremediation agent can be used as one of the appropriate and environmentally friendly solutions.
The event was moderated by Prof. Dr. Hermin Pancasakti K, M.Si., who is a lecturer in the Biotechnology Study Program, Diponegoro University. The event lasted for 2 hours and was enthusiastically attended by students and teachers from the Biotechnology study program until the end of the event.
Recording of event Activities and presentations of speakers can be accessed through the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwO1VZxfeeQ&t=814s