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IJOASAR International Journal

International Journal of Allied Sciences and Research

Research Article

Enzyme-Mediated Biodegradation Of Pulp And Paper Industry Effluent By Indigenous Bacterial And Fungal Isolates

Plaban Das ,  Surabhi Zainith Corresponding Author
Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal (Central) University, Srinagar
Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Published: 01 Apr 2026 Pages: 31–38 DOI: 10.66690/ijoasar.2026.v1i105

Authors

  • Author 1

    Plaban Das

    Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal (Central) University, Srinagar
  • Author 2

    Surabhi Zainith Corresponding Author

    Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal (Central) University, Srinagar

Abstract

Effluents released from pulp and paper industries are characterized by high organic load, intense color, and the presence of lignocellulosic and aromatic compounds that pose serious environmental challenges. The present study investigated the isolation, purification, screening, and biochemical characterization of indigenous microorganisms from pulp and paper industry effluent, with emphasis on their enzymatic potential and wastewater treatment efficiency. Physicochemical analysis of the effluent revealed alkaline pH and elevated biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), indicating substantial pollution strength. A total of twenty-four microbial isolates were recovered, including eighteen bacterial and six fungal strains, reflecting considerable microbial diversity. Primary screening identified eight effluent-tolerant isolates capable of sustained growth at high effluent concentrations. Secondary screening demonstrated that selected isolates produced extracellular cellulolytic, amylolytic, and ligninolytic enzymes, with isolates affiliated to Bacillus and Aspergillus exhibiting the highest enzymatic activity. Laboratory-scale treatment experiments showed a strong correlation between enzyme production and pollutant removal efficiency. The most effective isolate achieved significant reductions in BOD and COD, highlighting its capacity to degrade both biodegradable and recalcitrant organic fractions. Biochemical characterization further confirmed the metabolic versatility of dominant isolates, supporting their adaptability to industrial wastewater conditions. Overall, the findings demonstrate that pulp and paper effluent harbors functionally robust microorganisms with considerable potential for biological wastewater treatment. Exploitation of such indigenous enzyme-producing strains offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional physicochemical treatment methods for managing pulp and paper industry effluents.

Article Information

Article Code IJOASAR-2026-0007
Article Type Research Article
Volume 1
Issue 1
Publication Date 01 April 2026
Pages 31–38
Status Published
Published Year 2026

DOI

Full Article

Enzyme-Mediated-Biodegradation-Of-Pulp-And-Paper-Industry-Effluent-By-Indigenous-Bacterial-And-Funga.pdf

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How to Cite

Das, P., & Zainith, S. (2026). Enzyme-Mediated Biodegradation Of Pulp And Paper Industry Effluent By Indigenous Bacterial And Fungal Isolates. International Journal of Allied Sciences and Research , 1(1) , 31–38 . https://doi.org/10.66690/ijoasar.2026.v1i105