Antibacterial Activity Of Soil Water And Soap Water During Sertu Process

In this study, five samples of natural soils, two commercial soils and one commercial clay soil were evaluated pertaining to their antibacterial activity during sertu process. The antibacterial activity of all samples was obtained using total plate count method. Clay soil (S1) showed to be the best among those natural and commercial soils. S1 contain high in copper (Cu) ion compared to the other soil samples which helps in antibacterial activity as Cu ion has the ability to damage directly the bacterial proteins. Cu ion is well known due to its antibacterial strength since it can change the bacterial membranes permeability, forming highly damaging hydroxyls radicals and damage the bacterial cells through interference with DNA. Commercial clay soap (S8) showed the best antibacterial activity among the samples with no bacterial growth on Plate Count Agar (PCA) from beginning of washing. It is best to start sertu process with soil water followed by another 6 times of washing with air mutlak. Hence, the sertu process can be done either using soil or clay soap as long as the process follows the rules set by Islamic law.