Abstract:
Objective Bacteria capable of effectively degrading spent straws were isolated, and conditions for the enzymatic reaction analyzed.
Method On a medium containing sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and Congo red, potential strains capable of decomposing fibrous material were isolated from sampled forest soil and compost. Enzymatic activities of the isolates were examined, and conditions determined.
Result Bacillus licheniformis was identified as the strain with the greatest carboxymethyl cellulase activity. It demonstrated a filter paper degrading activity of 14.21 U·mL−1, a xylanase activity of 24.03 U·mL−1, and an ability to decompose 21.2% of corn straws. On corn straws, the selected isolate was observed to show the maximum digestion with an overall activity up to 48.63 U·mL−1 by using KNO3 for nitrogen source at pH 7 and 30 ℃.
Conclusion B. licheniformis was a cellulose-degrading bacterium that could be used to decompose spent corn straws for waste disposal.