Biodegradation of Cellulose by Wood Decaying Fungi

Abstract

The cellulolytic activity of some wood decaying fungi using filter paper cellulose was screened. All the species tested decomposed cellulose. Oxyporus ravidus and Funalia leonina exhibited maximum cellulolytic activity. While Pyrofomes tricolor was slow decomposer. The decomposition rate varied considerably with all the tested fungi. It was found that the initial pH value of the medium changed considerably after incubation period.