A Qualitative Assessment of Lignocellulose Degrading Enzyme Activity in Marine Fungi

Abstract
Cellulolytic and ligninolytic activity in fifteen marine fungi was assessed. All displayed endoglucanase and cellobiohydrolase activity indicated by utilisation of carboxymethylcellulose and crystalline cellulose respectively. Variations in salinity appeared to have little effect on the extent of cellulolysis. Ligninolytic enzyme activity as indicated by dye decolorization was observed for several isolates, with intensity of reaction varying with respect to primary carbon source, pH and salinity. Generally peroxidase activity as indicated by PolyR-478 dye decolorization favoured high salinities, whereas laccase activity as indicated by oxidation of ABTS dye was more pronounced at lower salinities.link_to_subscribed_fulltex