This study deals with the biotransformation products obtained from the transformation of the anthraquinonic dye Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) by immobilised laccase from the white-rot fungus Trametes pubescens. A decolouration percentage of 44% was obtained in 42 h. RBBR transformation products were investigated using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrum scan and High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Two compounds were identified as the transformation intermediates (m/z 304.29 and m/z 342.24) and other two as the final transformation products (m/z 343.29 and m/z 207.16). As a result a metabolic pathway for RBBR transformation by laccase was proposed. No backward polymerisation of the transformation products resulting in recurrent colouration was observed after laccase treatment of RBBR. It was also found that the biotransformation products of RBBR showed less phytotoxicity than the dye itself. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.