Abstract

Coir pith is a byproduct of fibre extraction from coconut husk. Coir pith has been produced in large quantities and is dumped as waste as its bulk at the production site itself and disposal efforts are in vain owing to the quantity. Several biological, biochemical and microbial methods have been tried and are underway to degrade the coir pith into useful product. A basidiomycete fungus viz.  Pleurotus sajor caju, has the ability to slowly degrade the coir pith and is capable of detoxifying phenolic compounds by producing biopolymerizing enzymes. The present work is targeted to degrade the biochemical constituent present in coir pith includes lignin which is considered as recalcitrant under normal conditions and the production of phenolic compounds which are the break down products of lignin. The enhancement of Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) also shows the enrichment of the compost. Biodegraded product can be used as efficient organic manure and as hydroponic systems for growing roses and vegetables.

Key words: Coir pith, lignin, biodegradation, basidiomycete.