Isolation and Characterization of Polysaccharide- Degrading Microbes from Compost Samples

This study isolated and identified novel microbial polysaccharide degrading species involved in composting process. Bacteria were isolated from different composting samples from Lahore Compost Private Limited, Lahore, Pakistan. Physico-chemical analysis of compost samples made from municipal waste were collected at 15-day interval during the composting process. A total of 55 bacteria were isolated and identified using morphological and biochemical characteristics. Out of 55 isolates, 26 mesophilic and 14 thermophilic had cellulose degrading potential. Out of 26 mesophyllic bacterial isolates, 20 were found cellulolytic. The isolated bacteria and fungi were identified morphologically and biochemically. The highest potential to degrade cellulose was recorded from four Bacillus strains. Molecular characterization of potential cellulolytic bacteria by 16S rRNA was performed. Bacillus sp. were found as the most prevalent cellulolytic bacteria in composting process. Fungi were also isolated and characterized morphologically and microscopically following techniques. The potential cellulolytic fungal isolates were Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucor sp., Saccharomyces sp., and Aspergillus niger. The results of this study would be helpful in highlighting the potential role of different microbes involved in enhancement of the composting process. These microbes can be used for the preparation of microbial inoculum based on their polysaccharide cellulose, bacteria, composting degrading ability.