Synthesis of organo-montmorillonite and its effect on soil urease and L-glutaminase activites

Organoclays are highly important to environmental studies due to their unique applications. The amidohydrolase family plays a significant role in maintaining a sustainable environment and agriculture sector. Therefore, keeping these enzymes active and stable in soil is a crucial task. In doing so, this study focused on the synthesis of organo-montmorillonite (MMT) and its effect on activity and stability of these enzymes in soil. The organo-MMT was synthesized by modifying the Na-MMT using the HDTMA-Br Cationic surfactant. Mineralogical properties of the synthesized organoclay were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) instruments. The effects of this organoclay and incubation period on urease and L-glutaminase activities in soil were also investigated. Results showed that the d-spacing of organo-MMT was increased by adding surfactant. Results from statistical analyses showed that the effect of clay type and incubation period on the activity of both enzymes (urease and L-glutaminase) were significant at the 5% level. The activity of both enzymes in the soil samples treated with the organo-MMT was significantly higher than control and MMT samples. The organoclay prepared successfully maintained soil enzymes. Therefore, use of this organoclay can positively affect enzyme activity and stability. This study plays an important role in synthesizing low-cost organoclays to be used in increasing the stability and activity of amidohydrolase family in soil.