Study of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Organic Waste and Isolation and Identification of Cellulolytic Bacteria from Organic Waste

Organic waste represents a valuable reservoir of ligno-cellulosic materials, creating a favorable environment for the proliferation of cellulolytic bacteria. The microbial degradation of cellulose plays a pivotal role in sustaining material cycling within the biosphere. The present investigation was undertaken to analyze the physico-chemical properties of organic waste and to isolate and identify cellulose-degrading bacterial strains. Samples were collected from diverse sources, including agricultural residues, aquatic weeds, and kitchen waste, at multiple sites around Dal Lake and the Shalimar campus of SKUAST-K. A total of 24 bacterial isolates were obtained, of which five exhibited pronounced zones of hydrolysis on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) agar plates following Congo red staining. These five isolates were subjected to morphological characterization, Gram staining, and biochemical profiling, with identification guided by Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. The results revealed that the majority of the potent cellulolytic strains belonged to the genus Bacillus. This study highlights the potential of such bacterial species to utilize cellulose as a cost-effective carbon source, thereby offering promising applications in biodegradation processes and the production of therapeutic agents. The findings provide a foundation for harnessing cellulolytic bacteria in sustainable waste management and biotechnological innovations.