Coliform Counts Research Articles

Enhancement of Chicken Breast Shelf-Life Using Gondhoraj (Citrus hystrix) Zest Edible Wrap: Physicochemical, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Properties

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the physicochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of Gondhoraj (Citrus hystrix) essential oil (GPO) incorporated into a starch-based edible film (GF) for packaging chicken breast meat to enhance safety and shelf life. Study Design: Active packaging films were formulated with GPO concentrations of 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8% (v/v) in pre-film forming starch solution. Place of Study: Department of Food Technology, Guru Nanak Institute of Technology, Kolkata. Methodology: Films were created using the casting technique. Opacity and light barrier properties were measured via light absorption between 200 and 800 nm. Moisture content, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties were assessed. The coliform count in chicken meat packed with GF was evaluated. Results: GF demonstrated lower water solubility (0.068 ± 0.09% - 0.090 ± 0.00%) compared to the control starch film and greater opacity (3.150 ± 0.03 - 8.924 ± 0.09) with light absorption between 200 and 800 nm. Antioxidant activity, measured by DPPH and ABTS+ assays, was 70.36 ± 2.48% and 83.78 ± 0.54%, respectively. After refrigeration at 4°C ± 1 hour, the chicken sample with GF had the lowest coliform count (4.88 ± 0.06 CFU/g) compared to the uncoated sample. After 7 days of refrigerated storage, the moisture content noted was (91.18 ± 0.17). Conclusion: The shelf life study revealed no significant difference (p<0.05) in organoleptic qualities between coated and uncoated chicken samples. Thus, GF exhibits strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties, enhancing the nutritional quality and prolonging the shelf life of chicken meat during refrigeration.

Bacteriological quality and physicochemical analysis of the Kalte River at Wolaita Sodo Town, southern Ethiopia

ObjectiveThe current research aimed to investigate the physicochemical and bacteriological quality status of the Kalte River in Wolaita Sodo Town, southern Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 42 water samples were collected using sterile glass bottles from three different river sites: Damota (upstream), Kera (midstream), and Gututo (downstream). All the water samples were examined for the presence of heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform and fecal coliform using direct plate count method and membrane filtration method. Standard methods suggested by American water works association were used to analysis the physicochemical parameters of the water samples.ResultsThe results revealed that the total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform, and fecal coliform count ranged from 8.9 to 12.6 × 104 cfu/ml, 7.5–11.3 × 102 cfu/ml and 5.7–9.7 × 104 cfu/ml, respectively. The bacterial count results indicated that the river water crossed the WHO-recommended limit of potable water. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Shigella species were the common bacterial pathogens isolated from river water samples. The results of the physicochemical analysis revealed that some of the parameters Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and turbidity exceeded the maximum permissible limits of WHO and other parameters were below the WHO permissible limits.ConclusionTherefore, the presence of bacterial pathogens, fecal coliform indicators, and some physicochemical parameters of the Kalte River exceeding the recommended limits may expose users of the river water to the risk of infection.

Chlorine dioxide may be an alternative to acidification and chlorination for drinking water chemical disinfection in dairy beef bulls

Alternative water disinfectants to chlorination need to be identified because its effectiveness is limited by water pH and potentially carcinogen by−products resulted from chlorination and organic compound reaction. The first study aimed to evaluate the effect of different drinking water chemical disinfection treatments on water quality, its potential hazard effects on animal health, water and feed consumption, and apparent total tract digestibility in dairy beef bulls fed high-concentrate diets. For 224 days, 24 Holstein bulls (176 ± 16.3 kg BW, and 149 ± 5.8 days of age) were individually assigned to one of four treatments with different drinking water chemical disinfectants: without disinfection (CTR); acidification and chlorination (ACCHL; 0.65 mL/L H3PO4 and 0.14 mL/L NaClO 15%); hydrogen peroxide (PER; 0.15 mL/L); and chlorine dioxide (DIO; 2.50 mL/L). Data were analysed with a mixed-effects model. Treatments affected the chemical characteristics of the water: in ACCHL, pH was 6.60 and free residual chlorine was 0.75 mg/L; in PER, H2O2 was 10.6 mg/L; and in DIO, ClO2 was 0.52 mg/L. Water physicochemical quality parameters in all treatments were below maximal thresholds established for safe water consumption by the Water Safety Royal Decree (RD 140/2003). In addition, the total coliform count of treated waters was reduced (P = 0.01) compared with CTR; moreover, ACCHL and DIO treatments were more effective in reducing total coliform count than PER. Dry matter intake tended (P = 0.07) to increase in DIO compared with CTR. Treatments did not affect blood parameters nor apparent total tract digestibility. The second study aimed to evaluate the potential benefit on animal performance of two drinking water disinfectants under commercial conditions in dairy beef crossbred Holstein bulls fed high-concentrate diets. Ninety-six animals (307 ± 4.4 kg BW, and 224 ± 1.8 days of age) were allocated to six pens for 140 days and assigned to one of two treatments: ACCHL, most common water disinfectant, and DIO. Data were analysed with a mixed-effects model. Water total coliform count and water consumption were similar between treatments. Concentrate intake was greater (P = 0.02) in ACCHL for the last 14 study days. Growth performance and carcass quality were similar between treatments. In summary, acidification and chlorination, H2O2, and ClO2 as drinking water disinfectants in dairy beef bulls had good disinfecting activity without detrimental effects on health and nutrient digestibility, and performance.

Microbiological Assessment of Smartphone Surfaces Obtained from Final Year Students at Hezekiah University Umudi, Nkwerre, Imo State, Nigeria.

Smartphones of students in tertiary institutions have been described as an understudied and under-explored microcosm by leading public health experts. The microbial quality of smartphone surfaces has been a constant reason for several scientific discussions. Two hundred students were initially targeted for the study, ten students in the final year class at the Hezekiah University Umudi permitted access to their phones during the sampling. The study carried by swabbing the surface of their phones with a normal saline-moistened swab stick using a square quadrant. The content was dislodged and diluted using a 10-fold serial dilution technique. The samples were evaluated for total heterotrophic count, coliform, fungal and Staphylococcal count. The bacterial isolates were tentatively identified using biochemical reactions. The total heterotrophic count of the samples obtained from the male students ranged from Log 2.82 CFU/cm2 to Log 3.21 CFU/cm2 while the total coliform count was observed to range from Log 1.3 CFU/cm2 to Log 1.6 CFU/cm2. The total heterotrophic count ranged from Log 2.82 CFU/cm2 to Log 3.21 CFU/cm2 for male students and from Log 1.6 CFU/cm2 to Log 2.73 CFU/cm2 for female students. The isolates obtained from the study were Acinetobacter sp., Escherichia coli, Proteus sp., Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Staphylococcus sp. There is a need for the University to educate students on the need to routinely use alcohol-based wipes to clean the surfaces of their phones as a precautionary measure to limit diseases associated with the use of mobile phones.

Development of Micronutrient Enriched Composite Flour with Selected Grains, Pulses, and Herbs

Most of the non-communicable diseases are directly related to the consumption of purified wheat flour. Therefore, composite flour mixtures can be introduced as a remedy. This study aimed to formulate a composite flour mixture comprising rice (Oryza sativa, variety Bg352), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum), black cumin (Nigella sativa), and ash plantain (Musa paradisiaca) pseudo stem. All the raw materials were cleaned and transformed into flour forms, and eight different composite flour mixtures were prepared according to Taguchi’s L8 orthogonal design. Eight samples of String hoppers, hoppers and pittu were prepared with eight different formulations. The sensory properties of prepared samples were evaluated using the five-point hedonic scale with thirty semi-trained panelists. The proximate composition, mineral profile, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the selected formulae were determined using standard analytical techniques. The colour, swelling index, initial water absorption capacity and bulk density of the final formulae were also evaluated. The highest rank for all the tested sensory attributes was obtained by the formula consisting of 82.93% O. sativa, 10.73% V. unguiculata, 3.90% M. paradisiaca pseudo stem, 1.95% M. uniflorum, and 4.88% N. sativa flour. The proximate results revealed that the sample with highest overall acceptability contains moisture (9.83%), ash (1.25%), total fat (1.28%), crude protein (10.55%), crude fiber (2.40%) and carbohydrate (70.25%). The results of the mineral profile of the sample with the highest overall acceptability for all sensory attributes revealed that sodium (1879.85 ppm), potassium (1276.20 ppm), calcium (2911.67 ppm), magnesium (8923.68 ppm), zinc (2.57 ppm), manganese(0.32 ppm), and iron (2.19 ppm). DPPH radical scavenging activity (0.0688 mg mL-1) and gallic acid equivalent phenolic content (37.02 μg/mL) of the composite flour mixture were analyzed. The initial water absorption capacity (150.83), oil absorption capacity (1.99 g/g), swelling index (4.99 mL/g), bulk density (0.50 g/ mL), and color (L*87.03, a*0.8, b*7.9, h 84.27) were recorded. The total plate count, yeast & mold count, coliform count, peroxide value and moisture content confirmed the product's safe consumption for two months. The developed composite flour mixture meets micronutrient requirements, and it can be used as a substitute for purified wheat flour for making string hoppers, hoppers, roti and pittu.

Microbial Population and Physicochemical Properties of Miang Fermented in Bamboo Tubes by the Luar Ethnic Group in Lao PDR.

Miang is a traditional fermented food made from Assam tea leaves and consumed as a snack. This study investigated the underground Miang fermentation process practiced by the Luar ethnic group in Laos, specifically examining the nutritional composition and microbial dynamics. Lactic acid bacteria and yeast were dominant in the fermentation process, reaching 8.43 and 8.50 log CFU/g after one week before gradually declining, while the coliform bacterial count was at 5.31 log CFU/g in the initial week but became undetectable in the later stages of fermentation. Next-generation sequencing identified Firmicutes (75.02%) and Proteobacteria (23.51%) as the primary phyla. Bacterial genera included Lactobacillus (73.36%) and Acetobacter (21.06%), with fungi mainly represented by Pichia (85.52%) and Candida (13.45%). Fundamental microbes such as Lactobacillus and Acetobacter were predominantly present, alongside Pichia and Candida, in the fungal communities. Microbial activities played a crucial role in generating essential enzymes for Miang's transformation. The nutritional transformation appears to be complete at 5 weeks of fermentation. The moisture content in the final products was approximately 74% and correlated with a change in nitrogen-free extract (NFE) and crude fiber. The fat content showed a slight increase from 1.3% to 2.52%, but protein content slightly declined from 17.21% to 16.05%, whereas ash content did not change significantly. Key polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, particularly pectinase and β-mannanase, were revealed and peaked at 48.32 and 25.32 U/g Miang, respectively. The total polyphenols increased from 103.54 mg/g dry Miang to 144.19-155.52 mg/g during fermentation. The lowered IC50 value indicated an increase in antioxidant activity. A fermentation period of at least 3 weeks proved to be optimal for enhancing antioxidant properties and bioactive compounds, and mitigating the risk of coliform bacteria.

ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF HONEY FROM SLOVAKIA

In this study, the antibacterial activity of 10 honeys at three concentrations 50%, 25%, and 12.5% was tested against two G- and two G+ strains, also the microbiological quality of the honeys in terms of the representation of total count of bacteria, coliforms, yeasts, and filamentous fungi was evaluated, and micromycetes to the species level were identified. Antibacterial activity of the honeys was assayed using well diffusion method, determination of microbial groups by the pour plate method and diversity of mycobiota in honey according to macro- and micromorphological characteristics. Results showed the antibacterial effects of Slovak honey collected from the Spiš region, against bacterial strains Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus, which are among the most common bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections. We found that honeydew honey was very effective against E. coli and S. aureus, rapeseed honey against P. fluorescens, and mixed honey (no. 10) against E. faecalis. Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible bacteria tested for all honeys. The presence of both yeasts and molds was detected in 3 honey samples at concentrations ranging from <4x101 to 3.6x101 CFU/g, while the total count of bacteria was detected in 9 samples at concentrations ranging from 2.3x101 to 3.6x102 CFU/g (in 1 sample, the occurrence of microorganisms was not recorded even at the lowest dilution of 10-1). Coliforms were not isolated. A total of 3 strains belonging to the Aspergillus section Nigri were identified. The microbiological analyses of the samples indicates that the honeys were produced, processed and stored in accordance with the rules of good hygiene practice.

Antibiogram and Bacteriological Assessment of Raw Meat Sold in Owerri, Southeast Nigeria

This study assessed the antibiogram and bacteriological assessment of raw meat sold in Owerri. Samples of fresh beef were taken from beef vendors from three (3) markets; Relief market, Ekeonuwa market and Amakohia market in Owerri, Imo State. Three samples each weighing 100g were aseptically collected in sterile polythene pouches, sealed and transported in ice to the Imo State University Microbiological Laboratory for microbiologic alanalysis within some few hours of collection. The results of this study showed that the total heterotropic bacteria counts of ranged from 3.72× 105cfu/g - 4.2 × 105cfu/g , the coliform bacterial counts ranged from 1.9 × 105cfu/g - 2.7 × 105cfu/g while the total salmonella shigella count ranged from 0cfu/g -4.12x103cfu/g. Bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Streptococcus spp., Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. Of the 50 bacterial isolates obtained, E. coli [15 (27.7)] and Staphylococcus spp [15 (27.7)] were the prevalent isolates. Other bacterial pathogens incriminated in this study were Salmonella spp [9(18.0)], Bacillus spp [7(14.0), and Streptococus spp [4 (8.0)].Most of the Gram-positive bacteria were highly susceptible to ceftizoxime and the Gram-negative to gentamicin and cefotaxime. E. coli, was susceptible to ampicillin/sulbactam (71% susceptibility), cefotaxime (71%), ciprofloxacin (94%), chloramphenicol (94%), ceftizoxime (100%), ofloxacin (82%), and amikacin (100%). S. aureus was susceptible to ampicillin/sulbactam (75%), cephalexin (75%), cefotaxime (100%), roxithromycin (75%), lincomycin (75%), and gentamicin (100%). Bacterial quality of fresh beef sold in Owerri has shown that beef sold in Owerri is contaminated with Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. but the prevalence of Salmonella spp. was low.This findings shall guide clinicians in the management of food poisoning/enteritis from possible meat consumption. Effective supervision and health education of meat sellers and their abbatoirs is highly recommended.

Production and preservation quality assessment of canned beef

The present study was undertaken to produce canned beef along with the determination of its preservation quality. Kalojira oil (Nigella sativa), Na-nitrite (NaNO2 ) and common salt (NaCl) were added in beef and treated as preservative groups namely T1 , T2 and T3 treatment group respectively. Beef without addition of any preservative kept as control group (T0 ) and each group or treatment containing three (03) replications. Data from both fresh raw beef and canned beef were compared statistically in an ANOVA of a Completely Randomized Design using General Linier Model Procedures of SPSS, 20 computer software packages. Beef was purchased from local market immediate after slaughter and brought at meat processing laboratory of BLRI. The physicochemical properties and microbiological properties of both raw beef and canned beef were recorded. The physical properties viz, pH, drip and cook loss of fresh raw beef were 6.40, 5.55% and 27.71%, respectively. The moisture and CP content in raw beef were 74.61 and 25.39%, respectively. The total viable bacteria count and Coliform count in raw beef were 8.8 × 106 and 4.3 × 104 cfu/g, respectively. The pH of canned beef was higher (p < 0.05) in meat preserved with NaNO2 and Kalojira oil than that of NaCl and control group. Preservatives, however, had no effects (p > 0.05) on moisture or DM and CP content in canned beef. Though, there was no significant (p > 0.05) effect, but Kalojira oil performed as impressive preservative compared to others. In microbiological aspects of canned meat, the TVC, TCC, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were entirely absent in Kalojira group. In case of NaNO2 and NaCl group, only a very few numbers of viable bacteria were found (1 × 102 ). On the other hand, only the Staphylococcus bacteria were found in case of control group. Considering the physico-chemical and microbiological aspects in canned beef, it may be concluded that the Kalojira oil could be a suitable value-added preservative in meat canning.

Assessment of bacteriological quality of fruits and vegetables sold in Gombe metropolitan market

Fruits and vegetables are important components of human diet that could be contaminated by different kinds of microorganisms. Microbial contamination may occur during any steps of transportation or processing from farm-to-table due to many environmental, animal, and human sources as well as technological applications. This study aimed at assessing the bacteriological contaminants of fruits and vegetables sold in Gombe metropolitan. A total of 30 fruits and vegetables samples were purchased from different vendors and transported to the Microbiology Laboratory for processing. Ten-fold serial dilution was performed on each sample and aliquots of 10-1-10-3 dilutions were inoculated on Nutrient Agar and MacConkey Agar plates using pour-plate technique. The plates were incubated for 24 hours at 37oC and then observed for aerobic mesophilic and faecal coliform counts. The bacterial loads of the samples ranged from 3.7x104 to 2.7x105 and 2.9x104 to 8.7x104 for total mesophilic and faecal coliform counts, respectively. Subsequently, a total of eight bacteria were isolated and identified as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Shigella spp. In conclusion, the fruits and vegetables were found to be contaminated with different bacterial species of public health concern.

BACTERIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF SOME COMMERCIALLY SOLD YOGHURT IN UTURU, ABIA STATE, NIGERIA: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

A preliminary study was carried out to determine the bacteriological quality of commercial yogurt sold in Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria. This involved isolation, characterization and antibiotics susceptibility of bacteria isolated from some commercially sold yoghurt in Uturu. Five different brands of yoghurt coded A to E were microbiologically analyzed using standard microbiological methods. The total viable count ranged from 0.9×102 cfu/ml – 2.0x103 cfu/ml, coliform count ranged from 0.4×102 cfu/ml – 1.0×103 cfu/ml, total staphylococcal count ranged from 1.1×101 to 1.8×102. Bacterial isolated include Staphylococcus species, Streptococcus species, Bacillus species and Lactobacillus species. The antibiotics susceptibility pattern of the bacterial isolates proved that drovid had the highest zones of inhibition from 31.8±1.2 mm to 36.1±0.3 mm, followed by oflaxacin (29.5±0.1 mm to 35.0±0.8 mm). The presence of coliform and Staphylococcus in the yoghurt may be as a result of unclean water used in the production, contaminated milk and unhygienic condition of the handlers. It is recommended that yoghurt producers, sellers and handlers should ensure a high level of hygiene and avoid long exposure of yoghurt before selling to consumers.

Assessment of Bacteriological Quality and Determination of Antibiogram of Bacteria Isolated from Water Used in Selected Hospitals within Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study investigates the bacteriological quality and antibiogram profiles of water samples from hospitals in Port Harcourt Metropolis, highlighting significant contamination and multi-drug resistance among isolated bacterial species. The research identifies the presence of various bacteria, including Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., and Klebsiella sp., with notable resistance to commonly used antibiotics, underscoring the potential public health risks associated with hospital water sources. This study's findings emphasize the need for rigorous water treatment protocols to ensure safe consumption and reduce the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections in hospital settings. Full Abstract Water is vital for life, and water void of bacterial contamination is vital for hospital consumption and use. This study aimed to determine the bacteriological quality and antibiogram of different water samples in some hospitals within Port Harcourt Metropolis. Water samples were collected in different hospitals in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Based on water dispensers, outdoor taps, washing hand faucets, and faucets in the toilet and theatre. The bacteriological quality of the water samples, coagulase, haemolysis, biofilm, starch, and antibiogram were determined using standard microbiological procedures. The mean range of the total heterotrophic bacterial, staphylococcal, faecal coliform, and total coliform counts of the water samples were 8.5±0.7×105 to 3.8±2.1×107, 1.2±0.2 to 2.8±0.3×105, 0.0±0.0 to 8.0±4.2×103 and 0.0±0.0 to 1.1±0.1×105 CFU/mL, respectively. The prevalence of the isolated bacteria is Staphylococcus sp (17.5%), Bacillus sp (12.5%), Enterobacter sp. (12.5%), Klebsiella sp. (10%), Citrobacter sp. (5%), Escherichia coli (2.5%) and Siccibacter sp. (2.5%). Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Citrobacter, Escherichia coli, and Siccibacter sp. were positive for haemolysis and α-amylase production, 80% of Staphylococcus sp were coagulase positive while 46, 40, 57 and 25% of Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella sp produced biofilm. The antibiogram showed multi-drug resistance (0.2-1.0). Levofloxacin was 60% effective against Staphylococcus sp, while susceptibility of Klebsiella and Citrobacter sp to ofloxacin, gentamycin, nalidixic acid, and levofloxacin 66.7%. The water samples from these hospitals might not be good for drinking. Thus, treatment of water before use is recommended. The high antibiotic resistance could imply the emergence of resistant isolates in hospital water.

The Used Masks of The Food Industry Employees During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Did the Mask Promote Other Diseases While Protecting from the Coronavirus? A Survey Study Supported by Microbiological Data

Objective: Use of disposable face masks helps prevent infection by airborne pathogens. The effectiveness of such masks in excluding diseases and contaminants depends on many factors. As a result of misuse, mask loses its protective role and becomes a source of microbial contamination. It is aimed to investigate the attitudes of food workers towards use of masks in proportion to the bacterial load and microorganism species in the masks they wear. Methods: Total aerobic mesophilic, Yeast-mould and Coliform counts were determined as log colony forming units per mL. Phenotypically different colonies grown on three different agar plates were purified and fresh cultures were classified using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Results:In this study, bacterial contamination was found at different levels on all tested (103) disposable face masks. The screened bacterial pathogens by MALDI-TOF MS Bacillus cereus was detected at the highest level 17.86%, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Kurthia gibsonii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with rates 14.29%, 10.72%, 7.14%, and 7.14%, respectively. Long-term working, inappropriate mask usage, poor hygiene attitudes of employees, and the fact that staff wore the mask out of need rather than for its protective advantage all signal that the investigated masks had low microbiological quality. Conclusion:The findings show that because most masks used by food industry employees to protect themselves from COVID-19 and avoid infecting others contain bacteria of intestinal origin, serious health problems may occur in both employees who use contaminated masks and consumers who consume food contaminated by mask contamination.

Microbiological and Physicochemical Quality of Groundwater Sources in Wamakko, Nigeria

Water is an indispensable natural resource and have remained a cause for worry in both urban and rural communities in Nigeria. A total of 15 samples were obtained from different groundwater sources in Wamakko, LGA, Sokoto State, Nigeria. Physicochemical and microbiological analysis were performed on the samples to ascertain changes in the proxies and presence of indicator organisms in the water samples. The pH of the groundwater samples obtained from point 6 was observed to have a pH of 5.6 this index was far below WHO /NIS/ NAFDAC specification for potable water. Total dissolved solids (TDS) of the groundwater samples ranged from 57.6mg/L to 529.96 mg/L while samples obtained from sampling point 7 had the lowest concentration values. The concentration of phosphates in the groundwater was observed to range from 0.16±0.01a to 5.21±0.12h mg/L. Pearson Correlation showed strong correlation between turbidity and BOD of groundwater at r=0.800, Salinity and hardness of the groundwater with a correlation coefficient of 0.88 at p-value < 0.0. The samples obtained from point 6 were observed to have a fecal coliform count of 6 MPN/100ml and 40MPN/100ml for total coliform The samples obtained from samples obtained from points 1 and 4 had a bacterial load of 1.1x105CFU/ml while the samples obtained from point 14 had a bacterial load of 1.3 x104 CFU/ml The microbial diversity ascertained by the biochemical evaluation showed that the bacterial flora obtained from point 14 were Pseudomonas, Salmonella sp., E. coli and Enterobacter sp. The groundwater sources were tained by the anthropogenic activities in the Wamakko LGA as this have shown a shift in the microbiological qualities of the water samples. There is need for Sokoto State Government to look into the remote cause of the water pollution and come up with a risk-oriented strategies to stem these tides.

Bacteriological Quality of Borehole Water in Gusau Metropolis

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study is novel as it presents the first extensive bacteriological assessment of borehole water quality in Gusau metropolis, highlighting significant public health concerns. By analyzing multiple contamination indicators including total bacterial load, total coliform, fecal coliform, and Salmonella-Shigella counts, this research provides a detailed and comprehensive evaluation of water safety. Furthermore, the identification of specific bacterial contaminants such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Shigella spp., combined with the finding that contamination levels exceed WHO standards, underscores the urgent need for water treatment interventions to prevent waterborne diseases. Full Abstract Microbes are ubiquitous and are known to contaminate materials, including food and water. We examined the bacteriological quality of borehole water in Gusau metropolis to determine its potability. Triplicate samples were collected from fifteen (15) different boreholes and analyzed. The total bacterial load, total coliform, fecal coliform, and Salmonella-Shigella count were determined using the membrane filtration technique. The average counts were as follows: total bacteria ranged from 6×10^1 cfu/ml to 39×10^1 cfu/ml, total coliform count from 3×10^1 cfu/ml to 65×10^1 cfu/ml, fecal coliform count from 1×10^0 cfu/ml to 4×10^0 cfu/ml, and Salmonella-Shigella count from 0 cfu/ml to 4×10^0 cfu/ml. The isolated organisms were identified as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Shigella spp. The predominant bacterial isolate was Escherichia coli. Our study indicated that the bacteriological quality exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) allowable limits of 0 cfu/100ml for total bacterial load, total coliform count, fecal coliform count, and Salmonella-Shigella count due to the underground aquifers. Therefore, we recommend that borehole water sources be adequately treated before consumption to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.

Characterization of physicochemical and bacteriological properties of Harar Brewery wastewater and its suitability for irrigation

The brewery industry is known for consuming a significant amount of water during beer production and releasing large quantities of wastewater into the environment. The Harar Brewery factory generates a substantial amount of wastewater, which is utilized for irrigation. However, there have been no comprehensive scientific studies assessing the physicochemical and bacteriological properties of the wastewater in relation to its suitability for irrigation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and bacteriological properties of the wastewater to determine its suitability for irrigation. The analytical procedures were conducted following the APHA procedure and the results were compared with national and international standards. Various parameters were investigated, including, temperature (25.01 °C), TDS (848.88 mg/L), TSS (256.67 mg/L), TS (1107.92 mg/L), pH (8.06), EC (1253.42 µS/cm), DO (3.96 mg/L), COD (628.34 mg/L), BOD5 (12.29 mg/L), PO43—P (0.29 mg/L), NH3N (0.65 mg/L), NO3—N (1.52 mg/L), NO2−-N, TN (2.26 mg/L), Mn (0.04 mg/L), Zn (0.03 mg/L), Fe (0.27 mg/L), Cu (0.09 mg/L), Ca (0.51 mg/L), Mg (1.12 mg/L), Na (6.59 mg/L), K (0.68 mg/L), E. coli (4491.67) and TC (14,279.17 CFU/100 mL). Most of the physicochemical parameters and coliform counts met national and international standards. However, EC, TS, TSS, BOD, and COD exceeded Ethiopian standards and international limits. Despite this, farmers continued to use the wastewater for irrigation, potentially leading to long-term adverse effects on both life and the environment. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of implementing advanced treatments to ensure that brewery wastewater meets specific parameters for irrigation suitability.

Effect of Dietary Addition of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Seed on Growth Performance, Haemato-Biochemical Profile and Faecal Microbiota of Kankrej Calves

The experiment was conducted during the month of February and March, 2023 at Livestock Research Station, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India to evaluate the effect of dietary addition of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed on growth performance, haemato-biochemical profile and faecal microbiota of Kankrej calves. Eighteen Kankrej calves were randomly divided into three treatment groups, viz. Basal diet (control), Basal diet+5 g animal-1 day-1 of fennel seed powder supplementation and Basal diet+10 g animal-1 day-1 of fennel seed powder supplementation for a period of 60 days. Results revealed that there was numerically higher body weight gains were observed in groups fed 5 and 10 g of fennel seed daily than the control, the difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05) among the treatment groups. The mean faecal counts (log10 cfu g-1 in fresh faeces) of lactobacillus were increased, while coliform were reduced in groups fed 5 and 10 g of fennel seed daily as compared to control group. There was no effect (p>0.05) on the haemoglobin, haematocrit, total erythrocytes count and total leucocytes count among the treatment groups. No difference (p>0.05) was found in serum levels of total proteins, albumin, globulin, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, ALT and AST concentrations among the treatment groups. It may be concluded that dietary fennel seed powder supplementation in calves improved growth performance and had beneficial effect on faecal microbiota with higher faecal lactobacillus count and lower faecal coliform count. Fennel seed supplementation did not affect haemato-biochemical profile of calves.

Evaluation Of Some Drinking Water Qualities In Some Villages In Gezira State

Safe and potable water is the basic need for human. In Gezira State groundwater is the main source of domestic water. While most villages in Gezira State traditionally use pit latrines, septic tanks and injection wells have been introduced recently. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of latrine system in some villages in North Gezira State on some physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters of groundwater. Water samples were collected from sixteen villages (Wadalmahna, Alkamlin Abdalab, Umdagarsey, Wadalmajedi, Abu usher, Altalbab, Alshawarab, Genib, Albataheen, Abufroa, Alsadaga, Alhassaheisa, Alsalama, Addaid Abu usher, Altakla Hamed, and Altakla Gobara) and analyzed for various physico-chemical and microbiological parameters. Physico-chemical parameter includes pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, and some heavy metals. The microbiologic test includes a total count of coli form and fecal coli form E. coli, which is an indicator of fecal contamination of water. Standard laboratory methods for analysis were used. These parameters were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO) to assess the suitability of groundwater for domestic purpose. The results show that most of the Physio-chemical parameters are within the acceptable ranges for WHO and SSMO, except water salinity in three villages (Alshawarab, 1935 μmhoscm-1; Albataheen, 1885 μmhoscm-1 and Abufroa, 1780 μmhoscm-1) is higher than the acceptable level (1500 μmhoscm-1). For microbiological tests, total coli form bacteria were detected in all water samples. E. coli was not detected in villages where traditional pit latrine is used. In village where septic tank and injection well is common E. coli was detected in all the samples. The study concludes that the groundwater used for drinking in North Gezira State is polluted, and there is contamination with E. coli in areas where traditional pit latrines are not the sanitation system. Keywords: drinking water, latrine system, Villages in Gezira State, Physical, chemical, groundwater, WHO, microbiological

Environmental monitoring of a freezing tunnel and its close surroundings in the potato processing industry: Insights into Listeria monocytogenes contamination, cleaning and disinfection efficacy, and transmission risks

Produce is a known vehicle for Listeria monocytogenes, with the number of produce-related outbreaks increasing. Consumers occasionally misuse frozen vegetables as ready-to-eat instead of ready-to-cook, raising the possibility of L. monocytogenes contamination. Environmental monitoring studies focusing on the freezing step in frozen produce are relatively scarce, yet essential, as this step could cause post-contamination. In this study, conducted between February 2021 and December 2021, a total of 607 samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of L. monocytogenes and surrounding microflora (sulfite-reducing Clostridia, Escherichia coli, coliforms, Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria, thermophiles, and anaerobic spores). These samples were taken after heat treatment, within and around a freezing tunnel in a frozen potato processing facility. Overall, 33.7% (n = 486) of the fixed infrastructure (food contact surfaces, non-food contact surfaces, and surroundings) and 48.8% (n = 121) of the mobile elements (e.g., staff, cleaning utensils, and transport trolleys) tested positive for L. monocytogenes. The cleaning and disinfection (C&D) could reduce L. monocytogenes to undetectable levels, but its execution proved inconsistent. C&D reduced the positive samples by 26.2% (n = 122) inside the freezing tunnel and by 30.9% (n = 184) outside the freezing tunnel. The main areas of concern proved to be the conveyor belt area for post-contamination risk and the staff as a transmission vehicle with cell counts up to 4.8 log CFU normalized over a surface of 50 cm2. During production, L. monocytogenes positive samples increased in the production environment outside the freezing tunnel going from 27.7% (n = 65) to 46.7% (n = 76) on the fixed elements and from 31.8% (n = 22) to 75.0% (n = 24) on mobile elements. Areas prone to L. monocytogenes contamination contained higher cell counts of coliforms, sulfite-reducing Clostridia, and lactic acid bacteria. Monitoring the presence of L. monocytogenes assists in enhancing the overall hygiene within the processing plant by discovering hard-to-reach places susceptible to contamination, potential transmission routes, and the verification of the C&D procedure. It demonstrates how environmental monitoring can contribute to the overall hygiene of the frozen produce industry.

Distillation of treated dairy effluent using integrated solar dish collector and solar still: A case study of distillate output enhancement

A solar thermal distillation system was designed to be compatible with electrically powered conventional laboratory distillation assembly. Its efficacy was checked in converting the treated dairy effluent into distilled water. The experimental setup comprised of a solar parabolic dish collector (aperture area 4.15 m2) and a solar still (basin area 1 m2) and was designed such that both can be used separately or in the combination. The study was conducted during March – June 2023. The solar dish collector was tested with two receivers with different bottom materials viz., stainless-steel and brass, thereby an average daily yield of 6.5 litres and 6.9 litres were obtained for both receivers, respectively. Simultaneously, solar still produced 2.08 litres of water individually per day. Thus, the highest yield obtained for whole setup was 8.9 litres per day considering individual performances of both the systems. The daily average thermal efficiency of dish collector for was found 65.59 % with steel receiver and 63.33 % with brass receiver. Similarly, thermal efficiency of solar still was 35 %. The quality of distillate was analysed on 10 parameters viz., pH, TDS, TSS, COD, BOD, Oil & Grease, SPC, Coliform count, electrical conductivity, and chloride content which showed promising results.