Studies on delignification in jute (Corchorus spp L.) fibre with promising lignin degrading bacterial isolates

Aim: To investigate the reduction of lignin content in jute (Corchorus spp. L.) with promising lignin degrading bacterial isolates.Methodology: Promising lignin degrading bacterial isolates were screened on the basis of potency index, MnP (manganese peroxidase) and LiP (lignin peroxidase) activities. Very efficient ligninolytic isolates were used for laboratory scale delignification trial and the resultant fibre was tested for lignin content, fibre strength and fineness. The efficient isolates were identified up to species level with Biolog Inc. based on the metabolic fingerprinting of the isolates. Results: Out of 95 ligninolytic bactetial isolates, twenty isolates having potency index >1.10 on the basis of Azure-B dye degradation test were selected for enzyme assays. Five promising isolates (L3, L9, L10, L26 and L30) were selected for delignification trial on the basis of high MnP (126 – 482 U l-1 min-1), and LiP (558.7 – 615.6 U l-1 min-1) activities. The isolate L9 performed best among the five isolates and could reduce lignin content from 11.33 to 8.84% i.e. a reduction of 21.97% from the control. All the five isolates were identified as Bacillus spp. Interpretation: Delignification of jute by using lignin degrading bacteria without any environmental hazard may be considered as an alternate method of chemical delignification for minimization of environmental pollution

Use of bacterial endospore with longer shelf-life in improved retting of jute

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the retting of jute (Corchorus olitorius L. and C. capsularis L.) using the endospores of microbial consortium of three strains of Bacillus pumilus with extended shelf-life. Methodology: Endospore and vegetative cells of Bacillus pumilus were tested for viability by introducing them into different temperature, pH, UV radiation and antibiotics. Laboratory, as well as field-trials of jute retting was performed with 6 and 18-months-old endospores and vegetative cells of Bacillus pumilus with estimation of enzymatic activities for comparison of their retting efficiency. Results: Endospores of Bacillus pumilus recorded very high colony forming unit (109 to 108ml-1) compared to their vegetative cells (106 to 104ml-1) after 6 to 18 months of their preservation. Endospores also showed higher resistance to temperature, pH, UV irradiation and antibiotic than their vegetative forms. High colony forming unit and higher release of pectinolytic and xylanolytic enzymes during retting of jute by endospores resulted in complete of jute retting in 10 days with good quality jute fibre compared to talc based formulation. Interpretation: It can be concluded from the study that endospores remained highly efficient in rejuvenating higher CFU and quantitatively larger pool of enzymes to accelerate retting of jute after prolonged preservation. Therefore, the endospores of Bacillus pumilus can be used cost effectively in place of their talc based formulation for higher shelf life of the product, faster retting and better fibre quality of jute.

Study on jute mill workers exposed to occupational hazards

Background: Occupational risks alone account for 1.7% of disability adjusted life years (DALY) lost worldwide. Occupational exposure to airborne particulates is estimated to cause 12% of deaths due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Aim: To study the socio demographic profile and morbidity status of jute mill workers exposed to occupational hazards. Materials and methods: It was a cross sectional study carried out for a period of 9 months. Simple random sampling technique was applied to select the samples from jute processing departments like Selection, Batching, Carding, Preparing, Spinning, Winding, Beaming, Weaving and Finishing. Results: There was a no statistical significant association (P>0.05) found between per duration and type of work. There was a statistical significant association (P<0.05) found between Section of work and Housing condition of workers. P value 0.000 statistical significance was found between the total number of workers and drinking habit. There was a statistical significant association (P<0.05) found between Section of work and Addictions of workers. Statistical significant association (P<0.05) was found between other Health problem and Sex. Conclusion: The results highlight a lack of adequate work safety practices in the jute mill workers. Workers experience various work-related hazards and health problems.

Liposomal Microencapsulation of Rodent-repelling Agents onto Jute Burlaps: Assessment of Cytotoxicity and Rat Behavioral Test.

In Egypt, the world’s biggest wheat importer, about 7 to 10 percent of stored grains are damaged because of poor conditions of storage. Rodent invasion is considered as one of the main reasons that caused wheat grain damage. With respect of food safety, this work aims to treat the grain burlaps (containers) to rodent repellent. The rodent repellent agents was extracted from natural local resources. For the rodent repellent effectiveness, wheat burlaps are treated with rodent repelling agents using eco-friendly components. There are prepared using camphor oil, mint oil, and capsaicinoids (extracted from hot red pepper) as local resources to develop low cost and high-performance final product. The plan of work relies on two main axes; first, the experimental part in which burlap was treated for rodent repellent; second, testing and characterizing the treated samples for cytotoxicity and animal behavior test. The treatment was taking place by conventional pad-dry-cure technique.

Ventilatory Function of Jute Mill Workers in Border Areas of Bihar.

Aim: To study the effect of jute-dust and further impact of smoking on pulmonary function test parameters in jute mill-workers. Method and Result: With the help of computerized multifunctional spirometer 91 male workers were compared with 90 controls for their PFT-parameters. The study indicated an overall reduction in FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEF (25-75) % and MVV. FEV1/FVC was within normal range. Further division of workers into smoker and nonsmokers there was a more decline in FEV1 along with FEV1/ FVC in smokers. Conclusion: Exposure of jute-dust lead to combined type of restrictive/obstructive lung diseases.