Comparison of certain microbial counting methods which are currently commonly used in the soaking process

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, 24th and 48th 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 24th and 48th 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. © 2009 Academic Journals.