Isolation, Identification and Cultural Optimization of Indigenous Fungal Isolates as a Potential Bioconversion Agent of Municipal Solid Waste

Abstract

Native populations of fungi were isolated from different areas of garbage and their diversity was characterized. In all habitats, total colony-forming units (cfus) of fungi varied significantly (p=0.05) and were almost positively correlated with the characteristics of the habitat. On the basis of cultural and microscopic characteristics, the isolated strains were identified as Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Curvularia sp. and Fusarium sp. A potato dextrose broth medium was suitable for massive growth of Trichoderma viride and Aspergillus fumigatus, whereas the Czapeck Dox broth medium was suitable for Aspergillus niger and Curvularia sp. The optimum ranges of pH and temperature were 7-8 and 30-70°C, respectively. In Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus, a suitable incubation period was 3 to 4 days but in Curvularia sp. and Fusarium sp. it was 6 to 7 days. These selected fungi were tested for their potential to bioconvert municipal solid waste. A fungal suspension was found to be more effective than culture disc methods.

Permanent URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20000976