Biodegradation of leaf litter biomass by Bacillus licheniformis

Abstract

Leaf litter biomass was collected, dried, processed and characterized for cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin and reducing sugars and these were found to be 17.11 %, 4.55 %, 8.67 % and 5.02 % of biomass respectively. CMCase activity of Bacillus licheniformis T9 was 0.256 U/ml. Growth curve of bacteria was drawn and protein estimation was done simultaneously. Effect of pH and temperature on CMCase activity was also checked and optimum activity was at pH 7.0 and 50 °C. Bacillus licheniformis T9 was used for biodegradation of leaf litter biomass and cellulose was degraded gradually with formation of reducing sugars. Reducing sugar content decreased initially due to consumption by bacteria and increased at a later stage of growth. Bacillus licheniformis T9 was able to effectively utilize leaf litter biomass as sole carbon source.