Biodegradation of sugarcane trash into substrates of utilizable products using lignocellulolytic microorganisms

Abstract

Biodegradation of sugarcane trash was conducted using lignocellulolytic microorganisms, Bacillus subtilis (MW715021) and Schizophyllum commune (MW720154) strains. Throughout the biodegradation process, various physicochemical, biochemical, and microbial parameters were monitored. The weight, organic carbon, and C:N ratio of the sugarcane residue progressively decreased from 20 to 120 days of incubation. Among different treatments, T7 (Sugarcane trash + Bacillus subtilis + Schizophyllum commune) exhibited significantly the lowest weight, organic carbon, and C:N ratio of 61.60 g, 17.85%, and 13.02, respectively. The pH of the substrate decreased slightly at the initial period of biodegradation then it increased slightly and became stable at near about neutral pH. The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the substrate was increased with the advancement of incubation periods. The Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) content of the substrate increased with the duration of incubation. A higher TKN content of 1.37% was recorded in T7 on 120 days of incubation. The nutrient content (P2O5, K2O, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) of the substrate was increased with the advancement of the decomposition period. The cellulose and lignin content was reduced from 40.78 to 21.54 % to 23.16 and 10.84 %, respectively in T7. Lignocellulolytic enzymes i.e. cellulase, laccase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase were increased at initial degradation periods up to 60 days then it declined at a later stage of biodegradation. The microbial population increased with incubation periods up to 60 days then after it was declined at a later stage of biodegradation.