Isolation of Efficient Cellulose Degraders from Municipal Wastes

Cellulose degrading bacteria were isolated locally by survey and collection of the soil samples from the municipal wastes. In course of screening for cellulolytic activity using a congo red test, thirty-five cellulose degraders were selected, which differed in their potential to degrade the cellulose. On secondary screening, five isolates with good cellulolytic activity were selected. The selected isolates were investigated regarding their culture characteristics and biochemical reactions, and identified as per Bergeys Manual of Systematic Bacteriology to their genus level. Two of the isolates belonged to the genus Streptomyces; one each to the genus Streptococcus; Alcaligenes and Pseudomonas. Preliminary work revealed that the isolates were mesophiles with Streptomyces sp. being more tolerant to higher temperature (45°C), slightly acidophilic to neutral and showed maximum cellulase production at 37°C.