Ligninolytic enzymes of the fungus isolated from soil contaminated with cow dung

Abstract

Lignin is the complex polymer and very few microorganisms are able to degrade it. The study aimed at isolating lignin degrading fungi from soil contaminated with cow dung using ligninolytic screening media. The study was able to isolate one ligninolytic fungus by using lignin media. The strain was screened for  production of ligninolytic enzymes  using Rhemazol Brilliant blue R (RBBR) dye, 2,2-azino-bis (3- ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonate (ABTS) and guaiacol in a semi-solid medium. The isolate decolourized RBBR dye, ABTS and guaiacol in a semi solid media. The strain was further tested for lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase (Lac) enzymatic activities in liquid media. It was found that; fungal filtrate had maximum LiP, MnP and Lac activities of 1.44, 0.30 and 0.28 U/ml. Therefore, it was concluded that soil contaminated with cow dung manure, is a good source of isolating ligninolytic fungi which can be used for different biotechnology applications including bioremediation of polluted soils and bio fuels.

Keywords: Cow dung, lignin peroxidase, Manganese peroxidase, Laccas