Qualitative and Quantitative Screening of Coprophilous Fungi for Cellulase Production
Keywords:
Cellulase screening; Coprophilous fungi; Enzyme activity; Enzyme application; Enzymatic indexAbstract
Filamentous fungi are widely explored for cellulase production due to their ability to secrete large quantities of extracellular enzymes, rapid growth, and adaptability to diverse substrates. This study isolated, identified, and determined cellulase activity of fungal species from cow dung. Three composite cow dung samples were collected from Ikare-Akoko, Oka-Akoko, and Supare-Akoko. Fungal isolates were obtained and identified based on their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Cellulase production was assessed using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) agar plate screening and quantified by dinitrosalicylic acid (DNSA) enzyme assay methods. The results revealed that sample from Supare (SUP) had the highest fungal counts of 2.9 × 105 CFU/g, followed by Oka-Akoko (2.7 × 105 CFU/g), and a least fungal count of 1.8 × 105 CFU/g was obtained from Ikare-Akoko. A total of nineteen (19) fungal species belonging to 12 genera such as Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Byssochlamys, Candida, Curvularia, Eurotium, Fusarium, Geomyces, Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Trichoderma. Thirteen (13) fungal species demonstrated cellulolytic activity with varying efficiencies. Alternaria tenuissima had the highest cellulase activity of 5.79 U/mL, followed by Aspergillus fumigatus (5.31 U/mL) and Penicillium sp (5.14 U/mL). Moderate activity was observed in Trichoderma harzianum, Curvularia geniculata, and Byssochlamys nivea, while Aspergillus glaucus showed the least activity (0.88 U/mL). This study revealed that cow dung harbours diverse cellulolytic fungi with cellulase-producing capacity. Therefore, these coprophilous fungi are promising candidates for sustainable cellulase production in biofuel generation, waste management, and related biotechnological applications.
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