The current study was designed to isolate and identify superior cellulose-degrading fungi from Egyptian soils
reached with cellulosic compounds, then production of bioethanol from paper wastes using this isolate. Among 9
fungal isolates, one isolate was selected as the highest cellulases producer. This isolate was identified by morphological
and genetic characteristics as Aspergillus niger MK543209. Basal mineral salt medium amended with
1% rice straw was the best medium for cellulose-degrading enzymes production under submerged fermentation
(SmF). Additionally, bagasse at 30% and urea at 2% were the best carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. In
respect to the environmental conditions, the optimum temperature, pH and incubation period were 45 °C, 5.5
and 4 days, respectively. The optimized conditions were applied to produce reducing sugars from paper wastes,
followed by production of bioethanol as a renewable energy. A 0.9 g/l/h of ethanol were produced as the best
value. This study may be considered the initial point for production of renewable energy and protection of
environment from wastes. |
