Microorganisms: growth in the tannery

Animal skins naturally contain various types of microorganisms. Presence of a nutritional source, high moisture content, suitable pH and temperature in the tannery environment, particularly during the early stages of the leather manufacturing processes (eg, soaking, deliming and bating) may assist microbial growth and proliferation [1-4]. Control of the microorganisms is essential during the leather manufacturing processes since microorganisms can cause damage to the collagen structure of hides and skins producing an inferior leather [3]. Various studies [1-3,5,6] were therefore carried out in order to isolate and identify microorganisms that may cause damage to the hides, skins and leathe