Characterization and Identification of Naturally Ligninolytic Bacteria

Rice straw, an abundant agricultural by-product in INDIA, is very difficult to degrade because of its high lignin content. Due to the immense environmental adaptability and biochemical versatility of bacteria, ligninolytic bacteria are useful resources for biodegradation. In this study, we screened for ligninolytic bacteria capable of biodegrading lignin from the agrofields of Bhilai-Durg . The bacteria were isolated from 2 types of soil samples and 11 lignin degrading bacterial colonies were found from the both soil samples. After morphological and biochemical identification results indicated that 11 colonies were 5 different bacterial species which have the degradation potential of kraft lignin and produced all three main ligninolytic enzymes. Result of present investigation also identified some new strains with lower lignin degradation potential.They may also have specific advantages for the depolymerization of the modified lignin residues typically encountered in waste streams from the pulping or 2nd generation biofuel/biobased chemicals industry. Rice straw, an abundant agricultural by-product in INDIA, is very difficult to degrade because of its high lignin content.