Affiliations: Biotechnology Research Division, Department of
Biotechnology, Prathyusha Institute of Technology and Management, Thiruvallur
District, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract: This article focusses on the microbial retting of jute bast fibres
under aerobic condition using sequencing batch reactor. Retting operation was
carried out for varying time period namely 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 days
respectively. The optimum retting period was judged based on the
characteristics of the retted fibre with respect to fibre fineness, tenacity,
modulus, strain at break and linear density. The morphological characteristic
were visualized based on the scanning electron microscope image. As the retting
period increased the fineness of the fibre improved; however based on the
tenacity (0.468 N/tex) and modulus (50.23 N/tex) a 25-day retting period was
found to be optimum in this present study. The predominant microbial species
present in the jute retting liquor were found to be species of Bacillus,
Clostridium, Aspergillus and Mucor. As the current method of retting operation
was carried out under aerobic condition, the emission of green house gas
doesn't arise. Moreover the wash water arising due to rinsing of
retted fibre was recycled, thereby achieving a zero discharge concept.
