23—Decomposition of Jute and Cellulose by Aerobic Bacteria

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Abstract
The decomposition of jute and cellulose by aerobic bacteria from soil has been investigated. Bacterial decomposition of jute is rapid under aerobic conditions only when the fibre is actually wet. The mean optimum temperature for the growth of these bacteria is near 37°C and the optimum pH is near the neutral region. Jute leached in hot water is more resistant to bacterial attack owing to the removal of micro-nutrients. Lignin is not only the most resistant constituent of jute, but it also offers some protection to the cellulosic fraction of the fibre. Hemicellulose is the most easily assimilable major fraction of jute and its presence also leads to increased consumption of α-cellulose. However, about 25% of the xylan content of jute is as resistant to bacterial attack as the α-cellulose fraction. Jute α-cellulose occupies an intermediate position between cotton α-cellulose and filter paper in susceptibility to attack. Bacterial decomposition of cellulose appears to be favoured by increase in surface and amorphous content, and by decrease in the molecular chain length of the cellulose.