Studies on the isolation and evaluation of cellulose and lignin degrading activity of microorganisms

A systematic study was conducted to isolate various natural microflora which is having the ability to degrade the cellulose and lignin. Total 90 samples were collected from different sources like, Compost pit, Vermiculture pit, Humus soil, Farm yard manure and also from guts of termites, mole crickets and ground beetles. The microorganisms were isolated by using Nutrient Agar and Potato Dextrose agar and the cellulosic activity was studied by using cellulose dubos agar and also on paper with minimal media. The clear zone formed around the colonies were taken into consideration in case of cellulolytic activity and for lignin degradation 1 Kg of coir pith was used to evaluate rate of lignin degradation by isolates.