Abstract 

The isolation and identification of proteolytic and lipolytic microorganisms from soil receiving abattoir effluents were carried out. Soil samples contaminated with abattoir effluent were collected. The total aerobic plate count ranged from 1.1x107cfu/ml - 1.46x107cfu/ml; proteolytic count ranged from 1.01x106cfu/ml - 9.4x106cfu/ml; lipolytic count ranged from 0 to 6.1x106cfu/ml and fungal count ranged from 4.2x106cfu/ml - 6.6x106cfu/ml. The microorganisms isolated and their percentage occurrence were Staphylococcus aureus, 20%; Pseudomonas species,16%; Streptococcus species, 16%; Bacillus species, 14%; Micrococcus species, 6%; Escherichia coli, 12%; Klebseilla species, 16%; Aspergillus species, 57% and Rhizobus species, 42%. The results showed that the soil receiving abattoir effluent was contaminated heavily with known pathogenic microorganisms. The abattoir effluent should therefore be treated before discharge and good hygiene practices should also be maintained.

Table of contents

Title i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of contents v

List of tables vii

Abstract viii

Chapter One

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Aim and Objectives 5

Chapter Two

2.1 Literature Review 6

2.2 Characteristics of proteases 6

2.3 Effect of Temperature on Protease and Lipases Production 7

2.4 Lipase producing Microorganisms 7

2.5 Bacteria Lipases 8

2.6 Sources of Lipases 9

2.7 Application of Microbial Lipases 10

2.7.1 Effluent Treatment 10

2.7.2 Medical Application 11

2.7.3 Lipases as a biosensor 11

2.7.4 Production of Biodegradable Polymers 12

Chapter Three

3.0 Materials and Methods 13

3.1 Study Site. 13

3.2 Collection of Samples 13

3.3 Chemical Reagents 13

3.4 Sterilization 13

3.5 Enumeration of Total Heterotrophic Bacteria and Fungi 14

3.6 Enumeration of Proteolytic and Lipolytic Bacteria. 14

3.7 Microbial Characterization/Identification 15

3.7.1 Gram Staining 15

3.7.2 Motility Test 16

3.7.3 Coagulase Test 16

3.7.4 Indole Test. 16

3.7.5 Catalase Test 16

3.7.6 Citrate Utilization 17

3.7.7 Oxidase Test. 17

Chapter Four

4.1 Results 18

5.1 Discussion 23

5.2 Conclusion 25

5.3 Recommendation 25

References 22

Appendix 26

List of tables

Table Title Page

Table 1: The mean counts of the microorganism isolated from 

soil samples containing abattoir effluents 19

Table 2: Microorganism isolated from soil abattoir effluent and 

their percentage occurrence 20