QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF COMMERCIAL BATING ENZYMES IN SELECTED KENYAN TANNERIES FOR USE IN DIFFERENT PRE-TANNING PROCESSES

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the quality of commercial bating enzymes in Kenyan market for potential use in different pre-tanning processes to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals. Five tanneries were involved in the study and 150 grams of enzymes were collected from the tanneries. Enzyme activity, moisture content and solubility of enzymes were done according to the Bureau of Indian standards 1991. ANOVA was used to test the significant difference between the analyzed parameters. Assessment of the protease activity indicated Microbate-Ewaso Nyiro to have 21,321.33±54.64 (U/g), Microbate-Yetu leather 24,137.4±65.25 (U/g), Micro enzyme P-Sagana 24,717.6±109.84 (U/g), Microbate elbate-AHITI 11,341.2±68.05 (U/g) and Microenzyme elbate-LIK 23,883.6±97.10 (U/g). Most of the parameters measured such as protein content, fat content, total solids and suspended solids indicated no significant difference (p> 0.05) in soaking and unhairing process. Assessment of the Organoleptic tests of bated pelt gave a rate of 4-5 (good-very good) which is a good indication that the enzymes are suitable for bating process. In conclusion, commercial bating enzymes are very effective in bating process only. Therefore, special formulations are needed to be used in soaking, unhairing and degreasing stages.