SCREENING OF LACCASE AND MANGANESE PEROXIDASE ACTIVITIES PRODUCED BY ESCHERICHIA COLI AND PENICILLIUM ITALICUM ISOLATED FROM PLASTIC WASTE SITE IN AKURE, NIGERIA

Objective: To determine the microbial growth of Echerichia coli and Penicillium Italicum on polyethylene (PE) and screen for the activities of Manganese Peroxidase (MnP) and Laccase produced by the two microbial strain (Echerichia coli and Penicillium Italicum). Methods: Polyethylene (PE) used were obtained from Elizade university dumpsite Ilara-mokin, Ondo State. The polyethylene (PE) were cut into tiny pieces, rinsed with distilled water and then used as the sole carbon source for the growth of microorganisms in an orbital shaker flask. Laccase and manganese (Mnp) peroxidase activity were assayed in Escherichia coli and Penicillium italicum spectrophometrically as they utilize polyethylene (PE) as a carbon source. Results: Escherichia coli growth was at 0.002 at 0 h, rose to the exponential phase at 96 h, and declined to the death phase at 144 h. Penicillium italicum growth was at 0.004 at 0 h, rose to the exponential phase at 72 h, and declined to the death phase at 144 h. Laccase activity was 9.2 (U/ml) in Echerichia coli and manganese peroxidase (MnP)was 5.25 (U/ml) in Echerichia coli. Manganese peroxidase (MnP) was 10.643(U/ml) in Penicillium italicum while laccase activity was 9.5(U/ml) in Penicillium italicum. Conclusion: Echerichia coli and penicillium italicum showed Manganese peroxidase and Lacasse activities as they utilized polyethylene (PE) as carbon source. Hence, they should be explored for biodegradation of polyethylene (PE).