3.2.6. Optimization of inoculum size
SSF media containing 5 g lemon peel waste was inoculated with varying inoculum density levels ranging from 1 to 6 mL and incubated under previously optimized fermentation conditions. A maximum pectin lyase activity was recorded in the experimental flasks inoculated 5 mL of fungal inoculum (Fig. 5). An upward trend in the pectin lyase activity was observed with an increase in the inoculum density level from 1 to 5 mL. Fig. 5 illustrating this upward and then downward trend in the activity profile with the inoculum density level from 1 to 5 mL and 5 to 6 mL, respectively.