Vol. 8, Issue 4 (2019)

Author(s):
Samriti, Sajal Sarabhai and Arti Arya

Abstract:
Garbage enzyme (GE) refers to Kitchen waste ferments which is an organic solution produced by the simple fermentation of fresh kitchen waste (fruit and vegetable peels), sugar (brown sugar, jaggery or molasses) in water. It is vinegar like liquid, multi-component in nature and has been reported to be a multipurpose domestic preparation. Garbage enzymes have been reported to have applications as cleanser, deodoriser, insect repellent, soil conditioner, pesticide and fertilizer. Not much has been said about bioactive constitution of garbage enzyme which could be responsible for their multiple roles. In the present study, some of the physicochemical, enzymatic and microbial characteristics of indigenous laboratory preparations of Garbage Enzyme were analysed. Main findings indicated that GE was acidic in nature, acetic acid being a major component. Biochemical analysis of GE preparations revealed the presence of acetic acid, sugars, proteins, alcohol, enzyme activities like protease, amylase, lipase and papain. Heterogeneous microbial flora was found to be present. Therefore, the present study provides evidence for the application of GE as a multipurpose liquid. Garbage enzyme is eco-friendly alternative to commercial cleaning agents that cause water pollution and subsequently affect the environment adversely.