Abstract

This study examines the interrelation of the test methods which are commonly applied in the leather industry for hide or skin soaking. For this purpose, five different bactericides were given during the soaking processes and after the presoaking process. The processes were measured at the first 20^th min, 24^th and 48^th h. For this purpose, two different ATP test kits, dip slide and agar pour plate method were used in order to determine the microorganism load as RLU (Relative Light Units) or CFU (Colony Forming Units)/ml. The values with all methods were identified as highly different from each other, while the statistical analyses indicated positive Pearson correlation coefficients especially between the 24^th and 48^th h measurements. The appearance of a positive correlation between the different methods under constant conditions implied the effectiveness of the bactericides to the customer at the factory environment. The ATP test method and dip slide methods that are commonly used in the market are correct and convenient methods offered by some companies.

Key words: Leather industry, soaking process, bacteria number, bactericide.