Heliyon (Sep 2023)
An approach to improve the existing ribbon retting of jute fibre using concrete tank and natural catalyst
Abstract
The ribbon retting method has been developed as a remedy for the issues associated with the conventional water retting method. But this method has not yet gained popularity among jute growers due to the unavailability of catalyst, inadequate training and lack of interest of farmers. The study deals with the improvement of the existing ribbon retting process by using a concrete tank with or without fermented soybean as a natural catalyst in different proportions. For this purpose, 25 fibre samples were developed using different conditions such as concrete tank without natural catalyst, concrete tank with 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% natural catalyst and a micro pond without natural catalyst for various observational time periods. After that, samples collected under mentioned conditions which were measured to assess the fibre properties. The samples produced in a concrete tank with 7.5% natural catalyst demonstrated better fibre characteristics than the other conditions, including fibre fineness, fibre strength, improved fibre color, open surface structure and smooth surface etc. The best conditions for microbial growth were achieved using a concrete tank with more natural catalysts, which improved bacterial growth, fibre quality and reduced the retting time. The use of more natural catalysts increased microbial activity, which in turn affected total dissolved solids (TDS), Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Chemical oxygen demand (COD), and pH value of the retted water. In comparison to the existing ribbon retting method, this improved method is significantly faster and produces fibers with better properties. Farmers will gain more from the successful implementation of an improved ribbon retting method because it shortens retting time, conserves water, and uses a concrete tank during retting that can be used for multiple purposes.
