Abstract

Ten grams (10 g) of soil obtained from a local yam peel dumpsite in Minna, Niger State was analyzed. The bacterial isolates identified were Bacillus megaterium and Staphylococcus aureus.  Bacillus megaterium was used in the present study for the production of amylase enzyme as it recorded the largest zone of activity. Amylase activity was determined using DNS method. Highest yield of amylase by B. megaterium was obtained after 48 h of incubation. The optimum temperature for the activity of amylase produced was obtained at 60°C with a concentration of 0.55 mg/ml. Optimum pH was obtained at pH 7.0 with a concentration of 0.67 mg/ml. The results showed that B. megaterium is a good producer of extracellular amylase at high temperatures which could be an indication that amylase produced would be thermostable.

Key words: Bacillus megaterium, yam peel dump site, amylase, optimum activity.