Microbiological considerations
The microbiological activity of fresh bagasse at mill exit is negligible. Spore
counts for a range of thermophilic types is low (Ashbolt, 1986). After two days the
number and activity of these microbial species has increased to a level where
significant heat production can occur.. High ba asse temperature (greater than
45°C) and low bound nitrogen concentration favour the growth of species of
Thermoactinomyces and Bacillus, which remain active up to 65°C. Beyond this
temperature the activity of all bagasse thermophiles decreases significantly.