The XXXI congress of the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists (IULTCS) held in Valencia, Spain from 27-30 September, 2011 attracted 274 delegates representing almost 30 countries from around the world. The conference programme focused on fundamental research, new product development, clean innovative technologies, future technologies, waste products and the environment, and use of advanced technologies in the tanning industry.
Anne Lama, who recently joined the BLC consulting team, presented two papers at the congress; a visual presentation and an oral presentation.
The visual presentation was entitled ‘Investigation of acid-deterioration in leather leading towards finding a suitable product for treatment’. Acid-deterioration, (commonly known as red–rot in leather), occurs in vegetable-tanned leathers that were predominantly manufactured from the 19th century and onwards.
The leather has low pH (≤3.0) and low hydrothermal stability. Acid-deteriorated leather also has an acrid odour and powdery surface with partial or total loss of grain layer. Conservation of such leather is a problem due to the limited options of conservation reagents and techniques. A two year KTP (knowledge transfer partnership) – project was successfully carried out in conjunction with The Leather Conservation Centre (LCC) and
The University of Northampton to find a solution for the conservation of acid-deteriorated leather. The project was funded by The LCC and the Technology Strategy Board. The project resulted in the development of a reagent that showed positive outcomes to increase the longevity of acid-deteriorated leather.
The oral presentation, entitled ‘Methods of isolation and identification of pathogenic and potential pathogenic bacteria from animal skins and tannery effluents’, was based on Anne’s PhD undertaken at The University of Northampton.
Various bacterial species including potential pathogens have been isolated from hides and skins. During conventional leather processing, due to the extreme environmental conditions, the probability of bacteria surviving on hides is reduced. Alternatively, total or partial replacement of the hazardous chemicals with non-hazardous chemicals during best available technologies (BAT) processes may provide suitable conditions for bacterial growth, including potential pathogens.
Currently there is no protocol available within the leather industry to isolate and identify pathogenic or potential pathogenic bacteria from hides/skins or tannery effluent. In this paper, simple but effective methods for isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens from the effluent and hides/skins during leather processing was described.
For further information on BLC consulting services or to discuss your consulting service requirements contact info@blcleathertech.com.
Anne Lama
Anne joined BLC in September 2011 in the role of Leather Technologist.
Anne started her career in the leather industry at Bay Tanneries Limited in Bangladesh, moving on to the University of Northampton, where she achieved her PhD and worked as a Research Associate on a two year KTP (knowledge transfer partnership) – project on the conservation of acid-deteriorated.
Anne brings a wide range of knowledge and expertise to her new role at BLC, encompassing leather technology, chemistry, microbiology and other research and laboratory skills which will all enhance the support available to our customers.
