Manure Research Articles

Intersecting social and environmental determinants of multidrug-resistant urinary tract infections in East Africa beyond antibiotic use

The global health crisis of antibacterial resistance (ABR) poses a particular threat in low-resource settings like East Africa. Interventions for ABR typically target antibiotic use, overlooking the wider set of factors which drive vulnerability and behaviours. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the joint contribution of behavioural, environmental, socioeconomic, and demographic factors associated with higher risk of multi-drug resistant urinary tract infections (MDR UTIs) in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. We sampled outpatients with UTI symptoms in healthcare facilities and linked their microbiology data with patient, household and community level data. Using bivariate statistics and Bayesian profile regression on a sample of 1610 individuals, we show that individuals with higher risk of MDR UTIs were more likely to have compound and interrelated social and environmental disadvantages: they were on average older, with lower education, had more chronic illness, lived in resource-deprived households, more likely to have contact with animals, and human or animal waste. This suggests that interventions to tackle ABR need to take account of intersectional socio-environmental disadvantage as a priority.

Identifikasi Jenis Bintang Laut di Pantai Awang Kabupaten Lombok Tengah

Sea stars are one of the echinoderms, members of the Asteroidea class. In aquatic animal ecosystems, echinoderms have very important value as environmental cleaners in the sea, such as eating carcasses and animal waste under the sea. This research aims to identify the types of starfish found in the waters of Awang Beach, Awang Hamlet, Mertak Village, Pujut District, Central Lombok Regency. This type of research is exploratory descriptive research. This research uses a purposive sampling method with three stations, each station consisting of 4 plots. Based on the results of the data analysis that was carried out, three types of starfish were obtained at Awang Beach, namely Protoreaster nodosus, Archaster typichus, and Linckia laevigata.

Potensi Sampah Organik TPS 3R Menjadi Biogas dan Pupuk (Studi Kasus: TPS 3R Kasih, Kabupaten Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta)

The generation of organic waste at TPS 3R Kasih increased and dominated but its separation has not been carried out optimally. The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical characteristics of organic waste and analyze the potential for biogas that can be produced from organic waste anaerobically. The research method included sample collection using the purposive sampling method, surveys, and laboratory experiments using a batch or closed anaerobic reactor without any reactant movement to determine the potential for methane formation during 40 days of processing. The chemical characteristics of the slurry before and after processing were analyzed to determine its potential use after biogas formation as compost. The results showed that the slurry content before and after processing did not meet the fertilizer quality standards. Methane gas was formed starting on the 35th day in both reactors 1 and 2 with the highest concentration achieved at 1.2% of a mixture of organic waste, water, animal waste and EM4 with an optimum time of 40 days.

PEMBERDAYAAN PETERNAK MELALUI PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN PUPUK KOMPOS DESA SOROPIA KECAMATAN SOROPIA KABUPATEN KONAWE

Community service activities integrated with KKN-THEMATIC carried out by the UHO Faculty of Animal Husbandry Lecturer Team took place in Soropia Village, Soropia District, Konawe Regency. Compost is an organic fertilizer produced through the process of decomposition of organic materials, especially animal waste, by active microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The purpose of this service is to provide training and technology transfer in making compost. The methods used include delivering materials and demonstrations. In this activity, training in making compost was carried out by utilizing cow dung which is widely available around the Soropia Village settlement, which is then mixed with super decomposer EM4, rice husks, granulated sugar, and water. Through this training, the community is given knowledge about the use of waste from agriculture and livestock to be processed into useful products, especially in the fields of livestock and organic farming which are currently developing in Soropia Village. The farmers showed high enthusiasm during this activity and appreciated the service carried out, with the hope that similar activities can be continued in the future.

Evaluation of the Quality of Organic Compost Produced From Fish Filleting Waste: Application and Use in Agriculture

Objective: This study aims to chemically characterize the compost resulting from fish filleting waste, identifying macro and micronutrients, and investigating the effects of different dosages of this compost on lettuce fertilization. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on concepts of sustainable management of urban solid waste, highlighting composting as an effective practice for recycling organic matter. Previous studies on composting animal waste and its application underpin the context of the research. Method: The methodology consisted of experiments with 28 plants, applying 7 treatments with 4 replications, ranging from 10% to 50% fish compost. Fresh and dry mass, root size and volume, and nutrients were analyzed. Results and Discussion: The results indicated that fish waste compost has significant potential as a source of nutrients, with medium to high levels of macro and micronutrients. In lettuce cultivation, the 10% dosage was the most cost-effective, although proportions of up to 30% promoted good development in all the indicators evaluated. Research Implications: The practical implications of this research suggest that fish waste compost could be a viable alternative for organic fertilization, promoting sustainable practices in waste management and agricultural production. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by exploring the use of fish filleting waste compost as a fertilizer, demonstrating its effectiveness and potential as a source of nutrients for lettuce cultivation.

High keratinase and other types of hydrolase activity of the new strain of Bacillus paralicheniformis.

Keratinases, a subclass of proteases, are used to degrade keratin thereby forming peptones and free amino acids. Bacillus paralicheniformis strain T7 was isolated from soil and exhibited high keratinase, protease, collagenase, amylase, xylanase, lipase, and phosphatase activities. Keratinases of the strain showed maximum activity at 70°C and pH 9.0 as well as high thermal stability. A mass-spectrometric analysis identified seven peptidases with molecular masses of 26.8-154.8 kDa in the secretory proteome. These peptidases are members of S8 and S41 serine peptidase families and of M14, M42, and M55 metallopeptidase families. Additionally, α-amylase (55.2 kDa), alkaline phosphatase (59.8 kDa), and esterase (26.8 kDa) were detected. The strong keratinolytic properties of the strain were confirmed by degradation of chicken and goose feathers, which got completely hydrolyzed within 4 days. Submerged fermentation by strain B. paralicheniformis T7 was carried out in a pilot bioreactor, where the highest keratinase production was noted after 19 h of cultivation. After the fermentation, in the culture fluid, the keratinase activity toward keratin azure was 63.6 ± 5.8 U/mL. The protease activity against azocasein was 715.7 ± 40.2 U/mL. The possibility of obtaining enzyme preparations in liquid and powder form was demonstrated, and their comparative characteristics are given. In the concentrate, the keratinase, protease, α-amylase, phosphatase, and esterase/lipase activities were 2,656.7 ± 170.4, 29,886.7 ± 642.9, 176.1 ± 16.3, 23.9 ± 1.8, and 510.9 ± 12.2 U/mL, respectively. In the lyophilizate, these activities were 57,733.3 ± 8,911.4, 567,066.7 ± 4,822.2, 2,823.0 ± 266.8, 364.2 ± 74.8, and 17,618.0 ± 610.3 U/g, respectively. In the preparation obtained by air flow drying at 55°C, these activities were 53,466.7 ± 757.2, 585,333.3 ± 4,277.1, 2,395.8 ± 893.7, 416.7 ± 52.4, and 15,328.1 ± 528.6 U/g, respectively. The results show high potential of B. paralicheniformis strain T7 as a producer of keratinases and other enzymes for applications in agricultural raw materials and technologies for processing of keratin-containing animal waste.

The Use of Anaerobic Digestate for Greenhouse Horticulture

Agricultural crop production practices are being developed for organic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly farming systems. Developing efficient and resourceful crop fertilizers is significantly important for future agriculture. Various biofertilizers, such as animal manures, composts, and vegetable byproducts, have been successfully applied in agriculture. Anaerobic digestate, organic matter obtained from animal or plant waste processing during anaerobic digestion into biomass, has become popular due to its versatility, multiple purposes, and facile application methods. Digestate has recently been widely used in agriculture to enrich the soil with nutrients and thus increase crop yields. Several studies have shown that anaerobic digestate is a valuable fertilizer that can be used as a biofertilizer in field and greenhouse horticulture. Also, research has been carried out on the use of digestate in hydroponic horticulture. This review presents the research results and discusses the possibilities of using anaerobic digestate in greenhouse horticulture. Its objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the application of digestate from various sources and its impact on the growth, progress, yield, and quality of greenhouse-grown vegetables.

From Waste to Best: Biotechnological Approaches for Sustainable Developments

An essential element required for the existence of man and other biotic species is the environment. The survival and well-being of all its constituent parts are measured by the physical environment's degree of sustainability. Furthermore, using any recognized way to dispose of poisonous or harmful compounds is insufficient. Increasing demand of human population results in utilization of many chemical based products like pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. But, these processes harm ecosystem and environment with increasing toxicity and pollutant. Excess mining with acids to recover metals also cause pH imbalance and change of natural microbial community. Waste is generated from routine life which comprising food wastes, animal wastes or agricultural wastes. These waste material contain cellulose, lignin and starch components. Waste material can be decomposed by microorganisms for their own growth. Microorganisms can synthesize different type of bioplastics by decomposing waste material. They can also fix nutrition in soil and can be used as a biofertilizers. Antagonistic nature of microbes can be used as a pesticide to kill pests in agricultural sector. Besides these enormous benefits of microbes, they can even recover metals from raw ore. Biobased products can even be degraded easily without any posing any toxicity. The greatest way to manage the environment is to recycle all of its constituent parts, or wastes, making them usable and assisting the biotic and abiotic relationships in maintaining the aesthetically pleasing and physiologically sound balance that distinguishes an ideal environment. Thus, this review comprises screening of utilization of microbes to produce bio based products from waste material to sustain the environment from chemical based products. Cooperation between nations and organizations is essential for knowledge exchange and for giving developing countries financial and technical support.

Growth media change Eisenia fetida epithelium thickness: implications for improving earthworm welfare in vermicomposting systems.

Because the earthworm tegument represents their first barrier against environmental aggressions, we hypothesised that substrate-induced changes in earthworm growth would also alter the morphology of this protective layer. Therefore, a histological and morphometric study was performed on Eisenia fetida specimens that have been grown in five different organic residues: cow manure, horse manure, grape marc, coffee grounds, and a mixture of coffee grounds and cooking oil. The results showed that, across all treatments, both cuticle and epidermis were significantly thicker in the pre-clitellar region than after the clitellum, attributed to the fact that the former region is responsible for breaking up the soil. Notably, the growing media significantly altered the thickness of these two integumentary layers, and the greatest thicknesses were measured in grape marc and in the mixture coffee grounds + cooking oil, which makes them suitable organic residues for vermicomposting. By contrary, a significant epidermal thinning was observed when growing on coffee grounds alone, clearly indicating that it is a hostile environment for earthworms. Overall, these results reveal that tegument thickness can be used not only as a trait indicator of substrate quality but also of earthworm welfare, and it should be integrated in future toxicity assessment and captive breeding guidelines.

PENDAMPINGAN KOMUNITAS POKDARWIS PILANG DALAM PENGELOLAAN ANIMAL WASTE MENJADI KOMPOS ORGANIK UNTUK MENDUKUNG SUSTAINABILITY URBAN FARMING

Animal waste management is an environmental challenge that can be turned into an economic opportunity through the right approach. This service program aims to assist the Pokdarwis Pilang community of Probolinggo City in managing animal waste into organic compost to support the sustainability of urban farming. The Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach is used to empower the community by utilizing existing local assets, such as animal waste, community skills, and infrastructure support. The service process includes five stages: Discovery, Dream, Design, Define, and Destiny. The Discovery stage focused on identifying local assets, where animal waste was found to be a valuable asset that was previously not managed properly. Through the Dream stage, the community formulated a shared vision to create a sustainable waste treatment system. The Design stage implemented technical training and procurement of composting infrastructure. At the Define stage, the community began to manage the waste treatment independently, followed by an evaluation of the results and social impact at the Destiny stage. The results showed an increase in the technical skills of Pokdarwis members, the establishment of a compost production unit, and changes in community behavior in waste management. In addition, the formation of partnerships with local markets helped improve the economic welfare of the community. The ABCD approach has proven effective in creating sustainable social change through community empowerment. Recommendations from this program are to expand the application of the ABCD approach to other communities and strengthen collaboration with stakeholders to support the sustainability of waste management and urban farming.

Biochar captures ammonium and nitrate in easily extractable and strongly retained form without stimulating greenhouse gas emissions during composting.

During composting of organic waste, nitrogen is lost through gaseous forms and ion leaching. Biochar has been shown to capture mineral nitrogen (Nmin: NH4 + and NO3 -) from compost, which we hypothesize reduces N2O formation. However, associating Nmin captured by biochar with the dynamics of N2O and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during composting remains unstudied and was the aim of this work. We composted (outdoor for 148 days) together kitchen scraps (43.3% dw, where dw is dry weight), horse manure (40.9% dw), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L) straw (15.8% dw) without (Control) or with biochar (Bc, 15% compost dw). The biochar consisted of hardwood and softwood pieces pyrolyzed at 680°C and exhibited 60% of particles with 4-8mm. We monitored compost GHG (CO2, CH4, N2O) emissions, Nmin content in compost and biochar particles (sequential extractions), and biochar surface transformations (SEM-EDX and 13C-NMR spectroscopy) along composting. Biochar did not significantly reduce or increase GHG emissions and Nmin content (mg kg-1) in compost. However, the final NO3 - amount (g compost pile-1) in the Bc treatment was significantly higher (54%) compared to the Control, indicating lower NO3 - losses. Despite the high aromaticity and minimal contribution of carboxyl C to the biochar structure, biochar retained NH4 +, mainly in easily extractable form (55%), in the first 2 weeks of composting and mainly in strongly retained form (75%) in the final compost. The NO3 - content in biochar increased continuously during composting. In the final compost, the NO3 - content extracted from biochar was 164 (37%, easily extractable), 80 (19%, moderately extractable), and 194mg NO3 --N kg-1 (44%, strongly retained). Although Nmin retention in biochar was not accompanied by lower N2O emissions, contradicting our hypothesis, we demonstrated the efficacy of biochar to recover Nmin from organic waste without stimulating GHG emissions.

Domestication of wild-growing Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) from Ethiopian forests on augmented agro-industrial byproducts

Despite being extensively studied as a white-rot fungus, there have been no efforts to explore and cultivate the high-yielding wild Trametes versicolor strains in Ethiopia. Thus, this study was initiated to assess the growth performance of T. versicolor on various growth media. Accordingly, ten substrates (S1–S10) were formulated by a combination of agro-industrial by-products that mainly constituted sugarcane wastes and animal manures. The effect of substrates on yields, biological efficiencies, and nutritional compositions was examined. The mushroom developed a white mycelium on the growth media. T. versicolor cultivated on the S5 blend, comprising 80% sugarcane bagasse, 12% horse manure, and 8% poultry manure, exhibited the most substantial fruiting body yield (158.33 g/500 g bag) and the highest biological efficiency (31.5%), with an optimal C:N ratio of 31:1. It has shown good mycelial growth, short colonization, and short pinhead formation time compared to other substrates. S7, lacking nitrogen supplementation, yielded low biological efficiency and fruiting bodies at 11.50% and 57.67%, respectively. The crude protein, fiber, low fat, and carbohydrate content ranged from 7.46 to 14.65%, 12.89 to 18.38%, 0.42 to 0.53%, and 48.75 to 66.75%, respectively. Notably, the highest nutritional values, excluding carbohydrates, were obtained from S5, while the sugarcane bagasse had the highest carbohydrate content among substrates. Consequently, S5 emerged as a suitable medium for cultivating wild T. versicolor mushrooms, particularly in regions abundant in poultry, horse manures, and sugarcane bagasse. Therefore, S5 represents an optimal substrate for T. versicolor cultivation, offering improved productivity and nutritional quality at reduced costs.

Cofactor F420 tail length distribution in different environmental samples

Cofactor F420 is an electron carrier playing a crucial role in a variety of microorganisms during redox reactions of the primary and secondary metabolism due to its low redox potential and thus arouses increasing interest. In this study, cofactor F420 glutamyl tail length spectra in various habitats like manure, compost, soil, and digester sludge samples and their respective microbial communities were investigated using high performance liquid chromatography and an amplicon sequencing approach A previous in-silico study was used to identify F420 producing microorganisms. The highest concentration of cofactor F420 could be achieved in the horse manure, digester sludge, and mixed manure samples, which was approximately 100-fold higher than in all the other samples. The high content of the cofactor in the samples with high O2 availability pointed to the important role of the cofactor not only in redox reactions of anaerobic but also for aerobic microorganisms and indicated its ubiquitous character. The most abundant derivate was F420-3 comprising the largest part of the cofactor derivates in seven out of ten samples. The high abundance of F420-3 in samples with distinct properties (e.g. O2 and H2O availability) showed its important role in redox reactions of the primary and secondary metabolism among prokaryotes.

Surface-derived groundwater contamination in Gulu District, Uganda: Chemical and microbial tracers

Groundwater is consumed by over 2 billion people globally, though it can be impacted by microbial and chemical contamination in both rural and (peri-)urban areas. This issue is particularly pertinent in regions like East Africa, where rapid urbanisation has strained local infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems. We use selected tracers of human and animal waste to assess the quality of community drinking sources with regards to surface-derived groundwater inputs and to compare urban versus rural water quality, under the rapidly developing urban area of Gulu, Northern Uganda. Specifically, we examine bulk and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (DOM), microorganisms (total coliforms, E.coli) and inorganic tracers of anthropogenic waste (NO3−, SO42−, Cl/Br) from various sources: boreholes (12–76 m depth; n = 90), protected springs (n = 11) and municipal taps (n = 4). Our results show that NO3− and SO42− were elevated in groundwater sources in the Gulu city urban area and the Cl/Br ratio was elevated in springs, compared to concentrations in the more rural Aswa and Omoro County area (p < 0.05). Interestingly, human and animal waste indicators E.coli and Tryp:FA (the ratio of tryptophan-like to fulvic-like fluorescence) displayed no significant difference between rural and urban settings (p > 0.05), though total coliforms were significantly higher in rural boreholes (p < 0.05). The presence of a pollution source, pollution carrier and a breakdown of a sanitary barrier at the borehole, as spot-checked by a visual sanitary risk assessment, was significantly associated with groundwater E.coli abundances. Evidence suggests monitoring and mitigation should be improved for all water types in Gulu District to meet WHO and Uganda Standard guidelines for potable water. This study offers valuable insights for water management planning and risk assessment of community water sources particularly in the context of East Africa and similar settings.

Testing for normality: a user's (cautionary) guide.

The normality assumption postulates that empirical data derives from a normal (Gaussian) population. It is a pillar of inferential statistics that enables the theorization of probability functions and the computation of p-values thereof. The breach of this assumption may not impose a formal mathematical constraint on the computation of inferential outputs (e.g., p-values) but may make them inoperable and possibly lead to unethical waste of laboratory animals. Various methods, including statistical tests and qualitative visual examination, can reveal incompatibility with normality and the choice of a procedure should not be trivialized. The following minireview will provide a brief overview of diagrammatical methods and statistical tests commonly employed to evaluate congruence with normality. Special attention will be given to the potential pitfalls associated with their application. Normality is an unachievable ideal that practically never accurately describes natural variables, and detrimental consequences of non-normality may be safeguarded by using large samples. Therefore, the very concept of preliminary normality testing is also, arguably provocatively, questioned.

Circular Economy in Action: Transforming Textile Waste into sustainable soil additives - physicochemical properties and biodegradability

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in soil additives used in environmental ecosystems. Currently, most soil amendments are produced from synthetic materials. Some synthetic amendments break down into microplastics, which persist in the environment and can be ingested by soil organisms, affecting soil health and biodiversity and the chemicals they contain can leach into groundwater. At the same time, the number and availability of biodegradable technologies are limited, and the aspects related to their biodegradation in soil are not sufficiently known. The study developed a sustainable water-saving and vegetation-supporting technology in the form of a biodegradable water-absorbing geocomposite (BioWAG). BioWAGs were produced using biodegradable materials derived from animal and plant waste, such as waste wool, jute, and linen. In a three-year field experiment, their physicochemical properties in the soil were analyzed. These were characterized using a.o. surface weight, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and FTIR. The results indicate that the degree of biodegradation of materials used in BioWAG depended on the raw material and production technology. Needle-punched nonwovens underwent intensive biodegradation just 6 months after being buried in the soil, while stitched nonwovens retained their mechanical properties even for three growing seasons. In the case of seamed non-woven fabrics, a decrease in selected physical parameters was observed. The addition of wool-based soil additive, a decrease in surface mass was observed by 85% after 6 months, 88% after 18 months and 90% after 30 months. Regardless of the waste materials used, BioWAGs provided plants with continuous access to water and nutrients. The work indicates a sustainable method of managing textile waste and analyzes its properties in the soil, which enables the development of technologies based on natural fibers for applications such as geotextiles, mulches and controlled-release fertilizers. The technology was developed in line with the principles of a circular economy and can improve soil quality, mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce environmental pollution.

Integrated bio-electrochemical approach to Norfloxacin (NFX) degradation: Efficacy, degradation mechanisms, and toxicological insights

Norfloxacin (NFX), a widely used fluoroquinolone antibiotic, poses significant environmental concerns due to its persistence in ecosystems and its potential to foster antibiotic resistance. This study explores the degradation of NFX using a bio-electrochemical system (BES) facilitated by Bacillus subtilis isolated from animal waste sludge. Experimental parameters were optimized to maximize removal efficiency, with the optimal conditions determined as an NFX concentration of 200 mg/L, pH 7, and an applied potential of 1.2 V. The degradation pathway was elucidated through the identification of intermediate products, ultimately leading to the complete mineralization of NFX. To assess the environmental impact of BES-treated water, a series of eco-toxicity assays were conducted. Microbial diversity analysis revealed that soil exposed to BES-treated water maintained a balanced microbial community, contrasting with the disruptions observed in soils exposed to untreated NFX-contaminated water. Phytotoxicity tests, earthworm toxicity assay, and Artemia hatchability & lethality assays further confirmed the reduced toxicity of the BES-treated water. These findings highlight the efficacy of BES in the degradation of NFX, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable strategy for the remediation of antibiotic-contaminated environments and the mitigation of associated ecological risks.

LITERATUR STUDI MENGENAI ADSORBEN LIMBAH CANGKANG HEWAN LAUT DALAM BERBAGAI KEILMUAN

The utilization of marine animal waste as a base material for adsorbents has become an increasingly popular research topic across various scientific fields, including chemistry, environmental science, and materials science. Waste from marine animals, such as crab shells, oyster shell, seashell, and shrimp shell, possesses high potential to be processed into adsorbents due to their abundant calcium carbonate, chitosan, and protein content. The use of this waste as adsorbents not only provides a solution to environmental issues related to the accumulation of organic waste but also offers cheaper and eco-friendly alternative for water treatment, air purification, and contaminated soil remediation. Research has shown that marine animal waste-based adsorbents are effective in removing various pollutants, including heavy metals, textile dyes, and hazardous organic compounds. With specific modification techniques, the performance of these adsorbents can be enhanced, making them competitive with commercial adsorbents. Overall, the use of marine animal waste as adsorbents represents an innovative approach that contributes to waste reduction and the enhancement of environmental sustainability.

Value-added Finance Use Animal Waste as Conversion Fertilizer for Vegetable Farming Groups in the West Sinjai Region, Indonesia

Agriculture plays a crucial role globally, and addressing the sustainable management of livestock waste is a growing concern. Converting animal waste into fertiliser not only supports organic farming but also offers a sustainable solution for managing livestock waste. This study aims to evaluate the conversion of fertiliser to animal waste and its potential to generate higher economic value for vegetable farmers in the West Sinjai region. By applying theoretical concepts learned in academic settings to real-world problems, this research aims to enhance knowledge regarding the economic benefits of fertiliser conversion. Additionally, it serves as a valuable reference for future studies on the economic impact of using animal waste as a substitute for chemical fertilisers. The primary goal is to determine the financial benefits and added value of using animal waste in place of chemical fertilisers. This research follows a quantitative descriptive approach, using both primary and secondary data. The population consists of secondary crop farmers in the West Sinjai region, and the sample includes six groups of vegetable farmers in Gunung Perak Village. The results indicate that converting fertiliser to animal waste significantly enhances the economic value for farmers in the West Sinjai region, particularly in Gunung Perak Village. This improvement is due to the cost savings from using animal waste compared to chemical fertilisers per production unit, ultimately leading to higher profits for the farmers.

New Bacillus paralicheniformis strain with high proteolytic and keratinolytic activity.

Bacillus paralicheniformis T7, which exhibits high proteolytic and keratinolytic activities, was isolated from soil in Kazakhstan. Its secreted proteases were thermostable and alkaline, demonstrating maximum activity at 70°C and pH 9.0. The proteases and keratinases of this strain were sensitive to Ni2+, Co2+, Mn2+, and Cd2+, with Cu2+, Co2+ and Cd2+ negatively affecting keratinolytic activity, and Fe3+ ions have a strong inhibitory effect on proteolytic and keratinolytic activity. Seven proteases were identified in the enzymatic extract of B. paralicheniformis T7: four from the serine peptidase family and three from the metallopeptidase family. The proteases hydrolyzed 1mg of casein, hemoglobin, gelatin, ovalbumin, bovine serum albumin, or keratin within 15s to 30min. The high keratinolytic activity of this strain was confirmed through the degradation of chicken feathers, horns, hooves, wool, and cattle hide. Chicken feathers were hydrolyzed in 4 days, and the degrees of hydrolysis for cattle hide, wool, hoof, and horn after 7 days of cultivation were 97.2, 34.5, 29.6, and 3.6%, respectively. During submerged fermentation with feather medium in a laboratory bioreactor, the strain secreted enzymes with 249.20 ± 7.88 U/mL protease activity after 24h. Thus, B. paralicheniformis T7 can be used to produce proteolytic and keratinolytic enzymes for application in processing proteinaceous raw materials and keratinous animal waste.