Research Article
Characterization of Keratinolytic Fungi and Bacteria Isolated From Soil-Rich Animal Wastes in Ijebu-Igbo Abattoir, South-West, Nigeria
Tolulope Sherifat Akindele, Ayandiran Daniel Aina, Joy Ndidiamaka Barns, Cajethan Onyebuchi Ezeamagu
Corresponding Author : Cajethan Onyebuchi Ezeamagu
Department of Microbiology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Email ID : onyezecajeth@yayoo.com
Received : 2020-08-02 Accepted : 2020-09-29 Published : 2020-09-29
Abstract : Massive production of keratinous wastes from agriculture and industries constitutes a major source of pollution globally. Hence, the objective of this study was to isolates microbial keratinase producers which can be used for bioconversion of animal-rich wastes in an eco-friendly manner. Soil rich horns, hooves and feathers were collected from abattoir and Moyo poultry farms in Ijebu-Igbo and transported to Microbiology laboratory, Babcock Univetrsity. Fungi and bacteria were isolated using compounded agar medium and nutrient agar respectively. Keratinase activity of the isolates was assessed using skim milk agar. The keratinase gene in bacteria was confirmed by PCR. Fungi and bacteria that produced better zone of inhibition on skim milk agar were sequenced using primers targeting 18S rDNA (fungi) and 16S rRNA (bacteria) genes. Fungi (18) and bacteria (4) showed hydrolytic activities on skim milk agar. However, 6 fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus pseudonomius, Aspergillus nomius, Aspergillus tamarii and Wickerhamomyces anomulus) and 4 bacteria (Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter hormaechei, Morganella morganii and Shimwellia blattae) were identified. The results revealed that different microbial genera capable of producing keratinases can be economically obtained and harnessed for industrial waste management. Hence, improvement of the keratinolytic organisms for industrial waste management is an asset especially in renewable energy and animal feeds.
Keywords : Fungi, Bacteria, Bioconversion, keratinous wastes, Keratinase
Citation : Cajethan Onyebuchi Ezeamagu et al. (2020). Characterization of Keratinolytic Fungi and Bacteria Isolated From Soil-Rich Animal Wastes in Ijebu-Igbo Abattoir, South-West, Nigeria. J. of Advanced Botany and Zoology, V8I1.03. DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.4072575
Copyright : © 2020 Cajethan Onyebuchi Ezeamagu. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Journal of Advanced Botany and Zoology
ISSN : 2348-7313
Volume 8 / Issue 1
ScienceQ Publishing Group

Reviewer Comments : Reviewer #1
Tittle of the paper is explicit, with clearly stated keyword.
The abstract concise and representative of content of the article.
The subject matter was well introduced.
Standard media and methodology were used for experiments.
Result outcome were adequately discussed with recommendations.
References were properly presented.
Recommendation: article is recommended for publication.
Professor Jonathan Osaricemen ISIBOR
Department of microbiology
Faculty of Lifesciences
Ambrose Alli university, Ekpoma, edo state, Nigeria.
Joe_isibor@yahoo.com