Ariska Hanum Pramesti, Bernadetta Octavia

Selection of Cellulolytic Bacteria Found in Mask Waste from Wana Tirta Mangrove

Introduction

Selection of cellulolytic bacteria found in mask waste from wana tirta mangrove. Explore cellulolytic bacteria from mask waste in Wana Tirta Mangrove. Identify Pseudomonas, Alcaligenes, Cellulomonas, and Aeromonas, and their cellulase activity, key for biodegradation.

Abstract

The amount of mask waste has increased significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mask waste can be found everywhere, likewise in Wana Tirta Mangrove. Its existence in the mangrove ecosystem, making mask waste, has the potential for cellulolytic bacteria. The purpose of this study is to determine the cellulase enzyme activity, characteristics, and genus of purified cellulolytic bacteria found in mask waste from Wana Tirta Mangrove. The method used in this study was qualitative research. The samples for this research were bacterial isolates from mask waste, which had previously been isolated from the Wana Tirta Mangrove. Samples were grown on CMC media to determine isolates that were included in cellulolytic bacteria. The cellulase activity of cellulolytic bacteria was tested qualitatively and quantitatively. Morphological, physiological and biochemical tests were carried out to obtain phenetic characters which were then used as the basis for determining the genus of cellulolytic bacteria. The results showed that 10 isolates were cellulolytic bacteria. The highest activity of cellulase enzyme qualitatively was produced by isolate 72 with a value of 0.466 mm, while the highest activity of cellulase enzyme quantitatively was produced by isolate 84 with a value of 0.931 U/ml. The dendrogram result showed 4 genera of cellulolytic bacteria, including Pseudomonas, Alcaligenes, Cellulomonas, and Aeromonas.

Review

The submitted manuscript, "Selection of Cellulolytic Bacteria Found in Mask Waste from Wana Tirta Mangrove," addresses a highly pertinent and urgent environmental challenge: the escalating accumulation of mask waste in ecosystems following the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on a sensitive environment like the Wana Tirta Mangrove, the study offers a timely and novel investigation into the potential for microbial degradation of these emergent pollutants. The clear objective—to determine cellulase enzyme activity, characteristics, and genus of cellulolytic bacteria isolated from mask waste—is well-defined and contributes to understanding the natural bioremediation potential within such impacted habitats. The research employed a blend of standard microbiological techniques, starting with the isolation of bacterial strains from mask waste on CMC media to identify cellulolytic capabilities. The subsequent characterization involved both qualitative (clearance zone measurement) and quantitative (enzyme unit determination) assessments of cellulase activity, providing a robust initial evaluation. It is noteworthy that the abstract clearly differentiates between isolates exhibiting the highest activity by each method (Isolate 72 for qualitative, 0.466 mm; Isolate 84 for quantitative, 0.931 U/ml). Further phenetic characterization through morphological, physiological, and biochemical tests, culminating in a dendrogram analysis, led to the identification of 10 cellulolytic isolates belonging to four distinct genera: *Pseudomonas*, *Alcaligenes*, *Cellulomonas*, and *Aeromonas*. While the abstract broadly categorizes the methodology as "qualitative research," the comprehensive approach involving quantitative enzyme assays and detailed phenetic analysis provides strong empirical evidence. Overall, this study presents valuable preliminary findings that lay a foundation for future bioremediation efforts. The identification of diverse cellulolytic genera from a novel and environmentally critical source highlights the adaptability of microbial communities and their potential role in degrading components of mask waste. A significant strength lies in connecting a pressing environmental issue with a microbiological solution. For future work, expanding on the specific types of cellulases produced, investigating the genetic basis of their cellulolytic activity (e.g., via 16S rRNA gene sequencing for species-level identification), and optimizing conditions for enzyme production would be highly beneficial. This manuscript offers a compelling starting point for further research into the biological degradation of pandemic-related plastic waste.

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