Bioprospection of Soil Microorganisms from Limestone Mine Revegetation Area in Citeureup as Plant Residue Decomposer Activators

The soil in the revegetation area in quarry D of the Citeureup limestone mining, especially under the reclaimed tree stands, is covered by litter. The remains of these plants contain cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Soil microorganisms can decompose these organic materials using extracellular enzymes. This study aims to: (1) isolate bacteria and fungi producing lignocellulolytic enzymes found in the littered soil from the revegetation area, (2) select potential isolates producing cellulase and ligninolytic enzymes, and (3) create bio-activators for the composting process of the litter. The method begins by taking soil samples from the vegetation area, isolating bacteria and fungi producing cellulase and ligninolytic enzymes, characterizing and identifying selected isolates, and formulation bio-activators for the litter composting process. One isolate of bacteria code 1.1.4 producing cellulase enzyme and one isolate of ligninolytic fungus code 1.1.C, both hemolysin negative (non-pathogenic) were selected as bio-activators. Both isolates were grown on a medium containing liquid molasses. The composting process was carried out in a composter bag, as a positive control using commercial bio-activator EM4, and a negative control without bio-activator. The bio-activator can reduce the half of litter after 2 weeks of incubation. Bio-activators containing indigenous microorganisms from mining areas potentially used in the reclamation process of an ex-mining.