Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Industrially Significant Bacteria Obtained from Rice-Husks Dumping Sites

Microorganisms are widely spread in our environment and rice husk is not an exception. Exploring the microbial communities associated with rice husk dumping sites could lead to the discovery of novel bacteria with potential industrial and environmental applications. This study was designed to isolate and characterize bacteria from rice processing sites for possible industrial applications. A total of 9 soil samples were collected from Kalambaina area of Sokoto State. The heterotrophic plate count (CFU/g) revealed that soil Sample C (Diga-Tsallake, Kalambaina) had the highest bacterial population, indicating it as a promising source for industrially uses. Biochemical tests confirmed that all isolates were Gram-positive, rod-shaped, and spore-forming, consistent with the Bacillus genus. Out of 15 isolates screened for cellulose utilization using the Congo red assay, five exhibited significant activities for cellulose utilization, including Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sp. AT-b3, Bacillus sp. CMF 12, Bacillus lentus, and Paenibacillusnanensiswith Molecular identification through 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed Bacillussp. AT-b3 and Bacillus sp. CMF12, respectively. This study provides valuable insights into the bacterial diversity inhabiting rice husk dumpling sites and sets the stage for further exploration of these microbial resources. These findings suggest that the strains characterize have potentials for industrial applications.