Qualitative methods to identify potential strains for partial degradation of oil palm mesocarp fibre

Chemical and physical treatments for cellulosic wastes degradation currently suffer several setbacks that limit its application in the management of palm oil-related wastes. This study isolated and screened fungal strains capable of degrading raw oil palm mesocarp fibre (OPMF). The fungal strains were identified by using the polymerase chain reaction amplification followed by phylogenetic studies. Three fungal strains namely Mucor irregularis (AZ1), Pestalotiopsis microspora (AZ2) and Trichoderma harzianum (AZ3) were selected to investigate the degradability of OPMF. The OPMF, being a lignocellulosic biomass was partially degraded via ligninolytic and xylanolytic enzymes secreted by AZ1, AZ2 and AZ3, respectively. All three strains gave positive effects to xylanolytic and ligninolytic activities. The qualitative screening for lignocellulose degradation indicated that 36% lignin and 79% hemicellulose components of OPMF were completely degraded following fungi treatment. The presence of hollow zones on the screening plates affirmed the ability of these strains in hydrolyzing raw OPMF.