Cellulase Production by Fungi Isolated from Odo-Aremu Dumpsite in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was aimed at using waste-soil fungi for production of cellulase enzyme. Fungi were isolated from soil samples obtained from Odo-Aremu dumping sites in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Three fungal species namely Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavusand Trichoderma spp. were isolated. The fungal isolates were assayed for their ability to produce cellulase enzyme as well as variable conditions that suited the production of the enzyme. Temperature, days of incubation and pH of assay medium were all significant in the enzyme production. Varied chaff concentrations however had no significant influence on enzyme production. All three isolates showed cellulase synthesis best 8 days after incubation at 37^oC and enzyme activity was assayed to be best at 45⁰C. Enzyme synthesis was also assayed to be best at oatmeal chaff concentration of 3% and enzyme activity was best between pH 4-7.

Keywords: Cellulase, Oatmeal chaff, dumpsite, enzyme activity, Aspergillus, Trichoderma