Diversity and characterization of lignocellulolytic fungi isolated from oil palm empty fruit bunch, and identification of influencing factors of natural composting process. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Md. Tahir, Paridah; Liew, Winnie-Pui-Pui; Lee, Shiou Yih; Ang, Aik Fei; Lee, Seng Hua; Mohamed, Rozi; Halis, Rasmina
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 100(2019)
• Page Start: 128
• Page End: 137
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: EFB -- Physical properties -- Lignocellulolytic enzyme -- Lignin -- Hemicellulose -- Cellulose; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.09.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Highlights: Competent fungi are able to shorten the composting process of EFB. Naturally occurring lignocellulose-degrading fungi on EFB were documented. The physical and chemical changes in EFB were correlated with slow rate of natural composting. Lichtheimia ramosa and Neurospora crassa are the most dominant fungi. Both fungi producing various lignocellulolytic enzymes for accelerated composting application. Abstract: Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) is the most significant waste generated from the agricultural industry in Malaysia. Composting is one of the potential approaches to utilize EFB. However, composting of EFB is a time-consuming process, thus impractical for industrial application. The composting process can be shortened by introducing competent fungi into an optimal EFB composting system. This study was conducted to isolate and identify competent fungi that can naturally compost EFB. Samplings were carried out at eight different time points over a 20-weeks experimental period. The physical properties of EFB samples such as pH, residual oil content, and moisture content were measured and the EFB composting process that was indicated by the contents of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin were assessed. The fungal growth, distribution, and lignocellulolytic enzyme activities were evaluated. The results indicated that the changes in physical properties of EFB were correlated to the fungal growth. The gradual reduction in moisture content and residual oil, and the increment in pH values in EFB samples throughout the experimental period resulted in reduced fungal growth and diversity. Such phenomenon delayed EFB composting process as revealed by the changes in EFB lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose contents. The most dominant and resilient fungi ( Lichtheimia ramosa and Neurospora crassa ) survived up to 16 weeks and were capable of producing various lignocellulolytic enzymes. Further understanding of these factors that would contribute to effective EFB composting could be useful for future industrial applications.