Extraction of lipase and protease and characterization of activated sludge from pulp and paper industry.

Hydrolytic enzymes released by the microorganisms in activated sludge are responsible for the organic matter degradation there; however, the optimal extraction procedure of this valuable resource has not been well established until now. In this study protease and lipase were extracted from activated sludge using ultrasound disintegration combined with a nonionic detergent (Triton X-100) and cation-exchange resin (CER) in combination for the extraction of protease and lipase. It was observed that the concentration of 0.1% and 1% Triton X-100 has a strong influence for the extraction of lipase and protease respectively. Closer study of the enzyme extraction process is essential for different enzymes from activated sludge process.