Biodegradation of Wastes Using Cellulase from the Gut of Rhinoceros (Oryctes rhinoceros) Beetle

Abstract

Recycling of wastes in Africa has not been fully embraced and practised; therefore, these waste materials are seen as physical pollutants that may affect the ecosystem, cause pollutions and create various environmental hazards. The use of synthetic substances in degrading wastes could further damage the ecosystem and cause global warming which makes the use of biocatalysts a better option. Most of the wastes generated daily are rich in cellulosic materials. Oryctes rhinoceros beetles feed on plant materials especially palm leaves whose major component is cellulose. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that the beetle will contain cellulase, a cellulose degrading enzyme. This work explored the use of cellulase from Oryctes rhinoceros beetle as a biodegrading agent on the cellulosic components of wastes. Cellulase isolated from the gut of Oryctes rhinoceros beetle was partially purified by precipitation with Ammonium sulphate at 80% saturation. Its actions on some industrial and agricultural wastes were examined and the results were compared with that of carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) the laboratory substrate. The enzyme had a specific activity of 3.78 U/mg. Spectrophotometric assessment of the enzyme on the waste materials showed the following activities; (36.30%-99.10%) on wood wastes, (9.36%-98.32%) on nylons, (10%-95.9%) on dry leaves, (14.97%- 95.14%) on papers, (28.5%-90.5%) on wrappers, (10%-86%) on food wastes and (14.78%-73.63%) on plastics. This study suggests that cellulase from the Oryctes rhinoceros beetle has biodegrading potential on waste materials and could be relevant in waste management.