Isolation of Bacteria with Potential to Produce Enzyme Cellulase from Soil Samples

Abstract

The importance of cellulases, one of the most important enzymes in modern industry, cannot be overstated. Bacteria that produce cellulase are significant for sectors such as food, textiles and paper. Therefore, isolating such bacteria from soil samples associated with refuse dump sites is important for several biotechnological applications. This study aimed to isolate and screen cellulase-producing bacteria from soil samples collected from refuse dump sites in Emure Ile-Owo, Ondo State, and to evaluate their ability to degrade carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as an indicator of cellulase enzyme production. Soil samples were inoculated on nutrient agar after serial dilution to determine the total colony count. The colony counts showed that the sample from Zone B had the highest number of colonies (3.3 × 10⁵ cfu/g), whereas the sample from Zone C had the lowest number (1.5 × 10⁵ cfu/g). Morphological and biochemical analyses were performed to identify the isolates. The bacteria isolated were Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Paenibacillus spp. and Clostridium botulinum. Congo red staining of CMC agar plates inoculated with the isolates was used to test cellulolytic activity. Bacillus cereus, Paenibacillus spp. and Bacillus subtilis were able to hydrolyse carboxymethyl cellulose.