Isolation and Screening of Microbial Isolates from Decomposing Palm Kernel Shaft for Cellulase Production

Abstract

This study was designed to screen microorganisms from decomposing palm kernel shaft for cellulase palm oil processing sites in Akoko area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Isolation of microorganisms was carried out by serial dilution and pour plate methods andidentified using standard biochemical methods. The isolates were screened for cellulase production using standard assay methods. The microorganisms were grown in a mineral salt basal medium for maximum yield of cellulase production. The microorganisms isolated from the sample include Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus varians, M. leteus, Cellulomonas blazotes, C. flavigina, Sarcina ventriculi, B. cereus, C. fimi, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Trichoderma viridae. The screened microorganisms exhibited varied cellulase activities. The diameters of zones of clearance of the isolates ranged from 1.45 to 1.83for bacteria and 0.00 to 2.06for fungi. The cellulase activity exhibited by bacteria ranged from 0.238 µmol/ml to 0.590 µmol/ml while fungal cellulase activity ranged from 0.452 µmol/ml to 0.775 µmol/ml. The high cellulase activity exhibited by fungi isolated from decomposing palm kernel shaft suggested that their predominance as a potential source of cellulase could be more promising in various industrial processes for the degradation of cellulose containing organic substances.