Production of Alpha Amylase from Banana Peel Using Aspergillus niger

Background: Various chemicals and dyes used in paper production are xenobiotic in nature and pose significant environmental concerns. Objective: In this study, a fungal strain was isolated from contaminated paper mill effluent and identified as Aspergillus niger through standard microbiological and morphological analyses. Methodology: The strain was screened for ?-amylase production using banana peel—a low-cost agro-residue—as the sole carbon source. Optimization of physicochemical parameters, including incubation temperature (30 °C), initial pH (6.0), and incubation time (72 h), yielded maximal enzyme activity. Crude ?-amylase activity was quantified spectrophotometrically by measuring reducing sugars released from soluble starch. Partial purification was achieved via ammonium sulfate precipitation, with 50% saturation providing the highest specific activity and yield. Application: The applicability of the partially purified ?-amylase was demonstrated by de-inking waste office paper; treatment with the enzyme significantly improved paper brightness and reduced ink load, as confirmed by standard gravimetric and spectrophotometric assays. Conclusion: These findings indicate that banana peel is a feasible and cost-efficient substrate for ?-amylase production by A. niger. The ?-amylase has promising potential for sustainable paper waste management and bioremediation in the pulp and paper industry.