Isolation, Identification, and Screening of Bacteria from Yam Waste for Amylase Production Ability

This study aimed to isolate, identify, and screen bacteria from yam waste for their potential to produce amylase, a crucial enzyme involved in starch breakdown. Yam waste, often discarded as a by-product of yam processing, was explored as a source of microbial enzymatic activity, with a focus on amylase for industrial applications. Five samples of yam waste were collected from different locations in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, and bacteria were isolated, characterized, and identified using standard microbiological techniques. The isolates were screened for amylase production on starch-nutrient agar plates. The total viable count ranged from 9.2 x 10⁸ to 16.8 x 10⁸ cfu/g, with Bacillus sp., Corynebacterium sp., Micrococcus sp., Serratia sp., Klebsiella sp., and Clostridium sp. identified as potential organisms. Four of the six isolated bacteria exhibited amylase production ability, with an index of amylolytic activity ranging from 0.40 mm to 0.14 mm. The findings suggest that Bacillus sp. shows promise for future industrial applications in amylase production. This study highlights the potential of utilizing yam waste as a valuable source of microbial enzymes, particularly for industries requiring amylase for various processes.