Screening of Fungal Isolates from Nigerian Tar Sand Deposit in Ondo State for Novel Biocatalysts

Fungi associated with tar sand samples from Ondo State, Nigeria were isolated and identified using standard microbiological method (serial dilution-spread plate technique). Also the isolates were screened for some enzymes of biotechnological importance. The fungal occurrence and frequency of the fungal isolates from the tar sand samples are Trichoderma viride BITRS-1001 (21%), Aspergillus fumigatus BITRS-1003 (10%), Rhizopus nigricans BITRS-1004 (10%), Penicillum italicum BITRS-1005 (16%), Spondylocladiella botrytioides BITRS-1006 (5.4%), Paecilomyces spp. BITRS-1007 (2.7%), Aspergillus flavus BITRS-1008 (8.1%), Mycotypha microsporium BITRS-1009 (13.5%), Articulospora inflata BITRS-1010 (5.4%) and Candida albicans BITRS-1002 (2.7%). All the isolates elaborated enzymatic activity, which were ranked as follows: Amylase 100% protease 100%, lipase 90%, polygalacturonase 60% and pectin methylesterase (60%). This study revealed the array of fungi associated with tar sand and their ability to elaborate hydrolytic enzymes. Harnessing these enzymes from the isolates would provide a clue to the biotransformation of essential nutrients of tar sand in addition to their application in industries.