Kinetics of the enzymatic saccharification of pretreated tapioca waste (Manihot esculenta) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)

Studies were carried out on saccharification of pretreated tapioca waste and water hyacinth under two different conditions: using microbial enzymes (cellulase from Myrothecium verrucaria, Coprinus comatus, Pleurotus florida, and Cellulomonas sp.) and solid-state fermentation. The rate of saccharification was determined at different temperatures, pH, substrate concentration, and incubation period. It was found that as the source of the enzyme varies, the optimal temperature and pH for the saccharification varies. Among the two different treatments, enzymatic saccharification was found to be the most efficient. Among the various cellulase sources tested, M. verrucaria cellulase was found to be the most efficient one followed by C. comatus, P. florida, and finally Cellulomonas sp.