PRATEEK SHILPKAR, MAYUR SHAH, GAURAV GANDHI AND URJA PANDYA
Abstract
Laboratory experiments were conducted at our centre during June 10, 2005 to December 10, 2005 to isolate and identify various thermophilic as well as mesophilic celluloly tic organisms (Bacteria, fungi and Actinomycetes) to degrade F icus benglzalensis tree leaves. After identification the organisms were mass cultured and their potential degradation of cellulose, hemicellulose, starch, lignin etc. and production of various enzymes viz. cellulase, Carboxy Methyl Cellulase (CMCase), Filter Paperase (FPase), b glucosidase and Xylanase were checked. Result shows that combined use of cellulolytic bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in equal proportion at thermophilic temperature (55°C) gives highest biodegradability and enzyme production. Co-digestion of banyan leaves with buffalo dung for biomethanation gives significantly higher biogas production than that of buffalo dung alone at 6% total solids content of feeding slurry.