Reduction of kenaf water retting period by using selected bacillus SP / Mohd Nazrin Othman

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinusl) has been introduced in Malaysia since year 2000 after being identified as new source of economy growth by National Economy Action Council (MTEN). Kenaf was introduced as new alternative crops to replace the tobacco. Kenaf is a multi-purpose crop as it can be used bio composite, automotive part, geotextile, livestock feed, and replacing raw product base on petroleum. Kenaf is a short terms crop. It can reach maturity in 4 month. Kenaf fiber would be harvested through a process called water retting. Water retting process is a process of degradation in the river or pond in order to soften the kenaf stalks for fiber extraction. However, the water retting was a time-consuming process. The process is not only time consuming but also pollutes the water body. In this study, several retting bacteria from Bacillus sp was identified from research journal which study the bacteria diversity in retting water which namely Bacillus cereus, Bacillus macerans, Bacillus subtilis and Paenibacillus polymyxa. These bacteria produce an enzyme known as pectinolytic enzyme which is used to soften the fiber from the stalk. The kenaf water retting process was observed within a week. The water quality test on the retting water was done daily as the water retting process continues. The fiber strength was then measured to determine the effect of using the bacteria in retting and observation on how much time taken for the water retting process to complete was recorded. It is found that the fiber can be extract from kenaf stalk within six (6) days of retting and the strongest fiber was found to be extracted from tap water although the fiber was under-retted. Enzyme study was recommended for further research as enzyme act specifically on substrates and may be the key to better quality fiber production.