Characterization of Keratinolytic Fungi and Bacteria Isolated From Soil-Rich Animal Wastes in Ijebu-Igbo Abattoir, South-West, Nigeria

Massive production of keratinous wastes from agriculture and industries constitutes a major source of pollution globally. Hence, the objective of this study was to isolates microbial keratinase producers which can be used for bioconversion of animal-rich wastes in an eco-friendly manner. Soil rich horns, hooves and feathers were collected from abattoir and Moyo poultry farms in Ijebu-Igbo and transported to Microbiology laboratory, Babcock Univetrsity. Fungi and bacteria were isolated using compounded agar medium and nutrient agar respectively. Keratinase activity of the isolates was assessed using skim milk agar. The keratinase gene in bacteria was confirmed by PCR. Fungi and bacteria that produced better zone of inhibition on skim milk agar were sequenced using primers targeting 18S rDNA (fungi) and 16S rRNA (bacteria) genes. Fungi (18) and bacteria (4) showed hydrolytic activities on skim milk agar. However, 6 fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus pseudonomius, Aspergillus nomius, Aspergillus tamarii and Wickerhamomyces anomulus) and 4 bacteria (Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter hormaechei, Morganella morganii and Shimwellia blattae) were identified. The results revealed that different microbial genera capable of producing keratinases can be economically obtained and harnessed for industrial waste management. Hence, improvement of the keratinolytic organisms for industrial waste management is an asset especially in renewable energy and animal feeds