Mycoremediation of Coconut Shell (Cocos Nucifera) with Ganoderma lucidum

In Malaysia, approximately 80,000 tons of coconut waste are dumped annually which is 6.7% of total agricultural waste. Not only these wastes are unsightly and putrid, but also are breeding ground for pests which may lead to health issues. In this study, investigation on mycoremediation of coconut shell was conducted through the exploitation of Ganoderma lucidum; a basidiomycete that secretes wood-degradative enzymes like Manganese Peroxidase (MnP), Lignin Peroxidase (LiP) and Laccase (Lac). The investigation on the degradation of Coconut Shell Powder (CSP) was conducted under Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) where the enzyme activity was found at 333.70 U/ml, 331.83 U/ml, 96.86 U/ml and 49.78 U/ml for 7 ml, 4 ml, 1 ml and 0 ml of spore solution, respectively. For the degradation percentage of CSP, 1 g of CSP showed the most efficient degradation by using 4 ml of spore solution as 88.04% reduction of mass was observed followed by 3g (35.01%) and 5 g (16.84%). Ligninolytic enzymes produced by G. lucidum pose potential in agrowaste management while reducing environmental issues.