Rumex abyssinicus (mekmeko): A newer alternative for leather manufacture

Abstract

The development of a cleaner and sustainable tanning system is gaining more importance, which is driving the search to an alternative for conventional chrome tanning. In the present study, tanning systems based on Rumex abyssinicus (mekmeko) extract for the production of upper leathers were investigated as a cleaner alternative tanning system. The characteristics of mekmeko extract as a tanning agent for leather processing were also studied in comparison with commercial wattle extract, as a control. The average size of particles in mekmeko extract is observed to be slightly higher than wattle extract. The critical aggregation concentration of mekmeko is observed to be at 0.39%, which is slightly at a higher concentration than wattle extract. An increase in hydrothermal stability of leathers with the increasing offer of mekmeko for tanning was observed. The organoleptic and strength properties of the upper leathers from the mekmeko tanning system are found to be comparable to that of wattle tanning systems. Therefore, the results in this study indicate that the manufacture of upper leathers using the tanning mentioned above system found to be satisfactory and also leads to a greener tanning pathway.

Adsorption of methylene blue from textile industrial wastewater using activated carbon developed from Rumex abyssinicus plant

“…On the other hand, the peak at 524 cm −1 represents the alkene groups which are supposed to be with an insignificant contribution. In another study of activated carbon for surface functionalities, a similar finding was reported by Mohammed et al 41 , 42 and Kengne et al 43 . Finally, the presence of multiple functional groups on the surface of this activated carbon is the fertile precondition for the effective adsorption of MB from industrial effluent.…”

“…For instance, 40 evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial nature of Rumex Abyssinicus and reported positive findings. On the other hand, the application of Rumex Abyssinicus in tannery processing was investigated by 41 , its application in the preservation of goat skin 42 , and the chemical composition of Rumex Abyssinicus plant which later applied for antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant 43 are among studies conducted on utilization of various parts of Rumex abysiniccus . However, the plant has never been investigated as adsorbent for wastewater treatment.…”

Sodom Apple (Solanum Incanum) Plant Material: A Greener Approach for Goat Skin Tanning Process

“…Recently attempts have been made to explore the use of new plant materials for tanning. Recently, in an attempt of the use of natural materials in tanning process, one of the co-authors in this manuscript have recently established the use of mekmeko (Rumex abyssinicus) for preservation, tanning and dyeing in leather manufacture [4][5][6][7]. Our extensive search indicates that researches is being undertaken to establish vegetable tanning using new plant materials.…”

Extraction of a novel tanning agent from indigenous plant bark and its application in leather processing

“…Vegetable-tanned leather also possesses better water permeability, solidness, stability, high strength, and molding properties [15]. However, sources of vegetable tannin and the difference in functional groups present in the tannin could affect the tanning efficiency and properties of the tanned leather [16,17]. The presence of tannin differed from plant to plant, and part to part of a plant since plant polyphenolic compounds are produced naturally in plant's leaves, roots, bark, wood, and fruits [18].…”