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Hydrolytic enzyme activity in landfilled refuse

  • Environmental Biotechnology
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Abstract

Extracellular hydrolytic enzyme activity was assayed in 28 refuse samples excavated from 14 bore holes in Fresh Kills Landfill, Staten Island, N. Y. Esterases, proteases and amylases were present in all of the samples. Enzyme screening assays utilizing the API-ZYM test system showed the incidence of enzymes in the order: specific phosphatases > esterases > glycosyl hydrolases. Measurement of cellulase by the cellulose-azure test detected activity in two out of 28 samples. Analysis for cellulase activity using the cellulose-azure test on refuse samples from landfills in Naples, Florida, and Tucson, Arizona, also showed a limited distribution of cellulases. Mineralization of [14C]cellulose, an independent measure of cellulase activity, ranged from < 5 to 23% in a 4-week incubation, which supports a highly variable cellulolytic activity in landfilled refuse.

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Author notes

  1. A. C. Palmisano, B. S. Schwab & D. A. Maruscik

    Present address: Office of Naval Research, Code 1141, 800 N. Quincy Street, 22217-5660, Arlington, VA, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Safety Department, The Procter & Gamble Co., Ivorydale Technical Center, 45217, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    A. C. Palmisano, B. S. Schwab & D. A. Maruscik

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  1. A. C. Palmisano
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  2. B. S. Schwab
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  3. D. A. Maruscik
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Correspondence to: A. C. Palmisano

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Palmisano, A.C., Schwab, B.S. & Maruscik, D.A. Hydrolytic enzyme activity in landfilled refuse. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 38, 828–832 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00167153

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00167153

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