Microbial Retting of Jute Bast Fibre Using Aerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor

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.