Total Heterotrophic Bacteria Count Research Articles

Desempenho de alevinos de Centropomus parallelus alimentados com dietas suplementadas com citrato e acetato

This study aimed to evaluate the addition of sodium acetate and sodium citrate in the diets of fingerling fat snook (Centropomusparallelus), through growth performance and modification of the intestinal microbiota. In the experiment, 3,000 fat snook fingerlings were used, with an initial average weight of 0.57 ± 0.10 g. The fish were stocked into 12 tanks (50 L) at a density of 5 fingerlings L-1 per tank distributed in three treatments with four replicates. The treatments were as follows: control group (without supplementation), one group supplemented with sodium acetate, and another group supplemented with sodium citrate. The diets supplemented with organic salts were sprayed with cod liver oil previously homogenized with 3% sodium acetate or sodium citrate. The fish supplemented with sodium acetate showed higher final weight, length, and yield, compared with the control group fish. The intestine of fingerling fat snook showed lower counts of total heterotrophic marine bacteria in the fish supplemented with acetate and citrate in relation to fish of the control group. Lower counts of sucrose non-fermenting vibrios were also observed in fish supplemented with acetate. Through this study, it was possible to evaluate for the first time the dietary inclusion of organic salts in the diets of marine fish in Brazil, with the dietary inclusion of 3% sodium acetate showing benefits for performance of fingerling fat snook.

Performance of Centropomus parallelus fingerlings fed a diet supplemented with citrate and acetate

This study aimed to evaluate the addition of sodium acetate and sodium citrate in the diets of fingerling fat snook (Centropomus parallelus), through growth performance and modification of the intestinal microbiota. In the experiment, 3,000 fat snook fingerlings were used, with an initial average weight of 0.57 ± 0.10 g. The fish were stocked into 12 tanks (50 L) at a density of 5 fingerlings L-1 per tank distributed in three treatments with four replicates. The treatments were as follows: control group (without supplementation), one group supplemented with sodium acetate, and another group supplemented with sodium citrate. The diets supplemented with organic salts were sprayed with cod liver oil previously homogenized with 3% sodium acetate or sodium citrate. The fish supplemented with sodium acetate showed higher final weight, length, and yield, compared with the control group fish. The intestine of fingerling fat snook showed lower counts of total heterotrophic marine bacteria in the fish supplemented with acetate and citrate in relation to fish of the control group. Lower counts of sucrose non-fermenting vibrios were also observed in fish supplemented with acetate. Through this study, it was possible to evaluate for the first time the dietary inclusion of organic salts in the diets of marine fish in Brazil, with the dietary inclusion of 3% sodium acetate showing benefits for performance of fingerling fat snook.

STIMULATED BIODEGRADATION OF WASTE LUBICATING OIL IN SOIL, USING WATER HYACINTH AND GOAT DROPPINGS.

SUMMARY Background Soil contamination with used engine oil is becoming a major environmental problem due to uncontrollable disposal, particularly in developing countries. Eichhornia Crassipes (water hyacinth) has been recognized as the world’s most harmful weed. The aim of this research is therefore to determine the potentials of water hyacinth and goat droppings in enhancing biodegradation of used engine oil in soil. Materials and methods Water hyacinth plants were chopped, sun dried, ground into powder and autoclaved at 1210C for 15 minutes. 200g of Soil was placed in vessels labelled A,B and C, 2.5% of used lubricating motor oil was added, pulverised, and left undisturbed. After 2 days 10% of each organic waste (ground water hyacinth and goat droppings) was added to each vessel of oil polluted soil, labeled A and B. Vessel C with only soil and used lubricating oil served as control. Periodic sampling was carried out at 15 days interval for 75 days. Soil samples were collected from different areas of the microcosm for isolation and enumeration of bacteria and determination of total petroleum hydrocarbon. Results Microbial growth was highest in contaminated soil amended with water hyacinth with total heterotrophic bacteria count ranging from 20×107 to 68×107 cfu/g and total hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria count ranging from 10×106 to 40×106cfu/g. This was closely followed by soil amended with goat droppings with total heterotrophic bacteria count ranging from 18.8×107 to 60×107cfu/g and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria count ranging from 8.5×106 to 38×106cfu/g. Unamended soil had the lowest microbial count with total heterotrophic bacteria count ranging from 4.0×107 to 7.2107cfu/g and 7.5×106 to 20×106cfu/g for hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria count. 91% loss in hydrocarbon was observed in the water hyacinth amended soil. Conclusion The biostimulative effect was observed with the increase in microbial population count in contaminated soil amended with water hyacinth. This study confirms that water hyacinth and goat droppings have the potential to stimulate bioremediation of hydrocarbon polluted soil. Keywords- Biodegradation, water hyacinth, soil

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hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria in soil contaminated with spent engine oil, as an alternative to inorganic fertilizers was investigated. Two types of agro-wastes were used for biostimulation of hydrocarbon degraders in soil contaminated with 10% w/w spent engine oil. 100g w/w each of plaintain and banana agro-wastes were supplemented and mixed with spiked soil. The rates of biodegradation of the oil were studied for a period of 70 days under laboratory conditions. The physiochemical property of agro-waste, total heterotrophic bacteria count, hydrocarbon-utilizing bacterial counts, percentage net loss and biostimulant efficiency were observed. The results of the total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) and hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial (HUB) counts were observed to be higher in plantain peels treatment option (38×107 and 41×106 cfu/g) than banana peels treatment options (29×107 and 29×106 cfu/g), and when compared with control (2.9×107 and 2.2×106 cfu/g) throughout the 70 days of bioremediation study. The study showed higher THBC and HUB counts at day 28 and day 42. Plantain peels treatment showed higher percentage of degradation (93.5%) and biostimulant efficiency (32.4%) than banana peels treatment with 84.11 and 24.9% respectively. Half-life for plantain peels treatment, banana peels treatment and unamended soil were 21.521, 24.146 and 43.043 day-1 respectively. These organic materials are widely available as wastes in the environment; hence, they can serve as “waste-to-environmental cleanup”.   Key words: Biostimulation, agro- wastes, spent oil, petroleum hydrocarbons, bio-stimulant efficiency, bioremediation, half-life. &nbsp

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The physicochemical, microbiological and heavy metal studies of water samples and bacteria obtained from the Dandaru River were investigated. Water samples were collected from six different sampling points along the course of the river and analysed using standard procedures. The physicochemical parameters showed that the water samples at point 5 had the highest value for all the parameters except Total Dissolved Solids. The heavy metal analysis revealed that the mean concentration of zinc, lead, chromium and iron were highest at point 5; 2.11, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.54 mg/l respectively, while that of copper and manganese concentration was highest at point 4 (0.59 and 0.41 mg/l respectively). The total heterotrophic bacteria count was between 3.6 - 64.0 ×101 cfu/ml, with point 3 having the least value (3.6×101 cfu/ml); while the coliform count using Most Probable Number (MPN) tube method ranged from 350 - ≥1600 MPN index/100 ml. The bacteria obtained belonged to the genera Bacillus, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus. On exposure to increasing concentration of six heavy metals, 47.62% of the total bacteria obtained were observed to be growing at 500 µg/ml for all the six metals employed in this study, while the others showed varying degree of tolerance to the metals. Key words: Heavy metals, physicochemical, microbiological, river, bacteria.

Characteristics of Effluent Wastewater in Hospitals of Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

Background: Wastewater effluent in hospitals has been increasing during the recent decades due to developments in medical services and products. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the qualitative parameters of effluent wastewater in hospitals affiliated to Babol University of Medical Sciences (BUMS). Materials and Methods: Four hospitals were included and their wastewater effluent was studied. Ninety-six composited samples were collected and sent to the laboratory for determining pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total phosphorous (TP), heavy metals, total coliforms (TC) and total heterotrophic bacteria counts (THBC) based on standard methods. Results: Mean ± SD pH of the wastewater was 7.6 ± 0.4. Mean ± SD BOD5, COD, TSS, TKN and TP were 372 ± 173 mg/L, 687 ± 231 mg/L, 289 ± 132 mg/L and 15 ± 5.5 mg/L, respectively. Mean concentration of Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr, Ni, Co, Hg, Fe and Cu were 26.5 (g/L), 2 (g/L), 429 (g/L), 34 (g/L), 30 (g/L), 3.7 (g/L), 7.5 (g/L), 2.1 mg/L and 49 (g/L), respectively. The total coliforms and heterotrophic bacteria were 5.4 × 108 MPN/100 mL and 2.6 × 1010 CFU/mL, respectively. Total wastewater quantity and its organic loading rate were 169 263 m3 and 62 966 kg in a year, respectively. Conclusions: Most of the qualitative indices evaluated in wastewater effluent of hospitals of BUMS were higher than effluent discharge standards of Iran Environment Protection Agency (IEPA). These wastewaters are usually purified improperly by wastewater treatment plants of these hospitals and polluted effluents which empty to the Babol Rood River and Caspian Sea can potentially endanger public health, natural resources and wildlife.

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The microbial profile of some concrete and earthen fish ponds within the Niger delta region was evaluated. The results of physico-chemical properties of the water samples showed that alkalinity values were significantly higher in concrete ponds (99.7±47.1 to 150±69.7) than (18±6.9 to 24±14.5 mg/L) in earthen ponds. Electrical conductivity values varied significantly between the ponds with (200±84.1 to 290±74.9 µs/m) in concrete ponds and (18±6.9 to 24±14.5 µs/m) in earthen ponds. Sulphate concentrations were higher in concrete ponds (0.25±0.36 to 1.53±14.9 mg/L) than (0.25±0.36 to 0.4±0.77 mg/L) in earthen ponds. The mean total heterotrophic bacteria count was higher in concrete ponds (6.5×105 to 7.4×105 cfu/ml) than in earthen (6.3×105 to 6.5x105 cfu/ml) ponds. The mean fungal count ranged from 2.11×105 to 2.25×105 cfu/ml in concrete pond and (1.8×105 to 2.4×105 cfu/ml) in earthen ponds. The bacterial genera isolated from the ponds were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp., Aeromonas sp., Streptococcus sp., Salmonella sp., Vibrio sp., Shigella sp., Proteus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella sp. Enterobacter species occurred only in concrete pond, while Serratia species occurred in earthen ponds. The fungal genera isolated from both the concrete and earthen ponds were Aspergillus sp., Penicillum sp. and Cladosporium sp. The genera, Fusarium sp. and Mucor sp were isolated only from earthen ponds. The study revealed that the ponds were grossly contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms which poses a risk to human health, thus of significant public health concern. Key words: Heterotrophic bacteria, fish ponds, fungal isolates, pathogens, physico-chemical properties.

Presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in coliform-free sachet drinking water in Ghana

Sachet water is now an important source of drinking water security in West Africa, and the sachet industry continues to mature as market share increasingly shifts from cottage industry players to high-volume corporate producers. Modern sachet production lines are prone to the development of biofilms, and traditional microbiological indicators of fecal water contamination may not capture all the potential risks to human health in such a widely-consumed product. This study tested a sample of 80 sachets purchased along two commercial transects in low-income neighborhoods of Accra, Ghana, for total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), Escherichia coli (EC), total heterotrophic bacteria (THB), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), and examined the relationships between these indicators and brand reputation. Just 5% of samples tested positive for TC, and none tested positive for FC and EC, yet 41% of samples tested positive for PA. After controlling for one popular brand, a negative brand reputation was associated with both THB presence (P = 0.015) and the number of samples with THB > 500 CFU/mL (P = 0.038), but PA was found in brands of both positive and negative reputations, and was only correlated with THB counts. The emergence of PA presents an opportunity for the re-evaluation of packaged water quality standards in a rapidly-globalizing, urban environment.

Assessment of Bacteriological Quality of Tono and Vea Dams Water in the Upper East Region, Ghana

Aim of the Study : This study was undertaken to assess the bacteriological quality of water from the Tono and Vea dams. Study Design : Water samples from both Tono and Vea irrigation dams in the Upper East Region of Ghana were collected and analyzed to assess their bacteriological quality. A total of 64 water samples were collected from the dams. Place and Duration: Vea and Tono dams in Navrongo and Bolgatanga were studied from March to April, 2011. Methodology: Multiple Tube Fermentation (MTF) technique was used for the determination of total coliform and fecal coliform. Total heterotrophic bacteria counts and Salmonella counts were determined using standard plate count m ethods.

Microbiological Quality of Machine Sealed Sachet Water Produced and Sold in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana

The microbiological quality of machine sealed sachet water produced and sold in the Tamale Metropolis, Northern Region of Ghana was investigated. Eighteen (18) different sachet water brands produced and sold in Tamale were collected for bacteriological analysis and each sample was represented by coded letters. A total of 72 samples of the eighteen different brands were collected from the producers and sellers within the Metropolis and analyzed for bacteriological qualities. Total coliform bacteria counts, Faecal coliform bacteria counts and total heterotrophic bacteria counts of the samples were determined using Multiple Tube Fermentation technique and Plate Counts methods. Based on the WHO and Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) standards for drinking water, all the eighteen (18) different sachet water had no Faecal Coliform counts. Most sachet water samples had elevated total coliform bacteria counts ranging from <1.8 to 14 mpn / 100 ml. Sachet water brands DL, SN, and AM samples had total coliform counts of 11 mpn / 100 ml; MA and BT had total coliform counts of 14 mpn/100 ml; IM and OL had 9.3 mpn/100 ml; RK, VL and SG had 6.8 mpn / 100 ml; FC, LA and ZZ had 4.5 mpn / 100 ml; SB had 7.8 mpn / 100 ml; IK had 4 mpn / 100 ml; AC had 2 mpn / 100 ml total coliform counts while ET and JL had total Short Communication Wuni and Adetunde; BMRJ, 9(6): 1-7, 2015; Article no.BMRJ.15721 2 coliform counts of <1.8 mpn / 100 ml. Based on total coliform bacteria counts, 11.11% of the samples were excellent, 5.56% were satisfactory, 55.56% were suspicious and 27.76% were unsatisfactory. None of the sampled brands of sachet water produced and sold in the Tamale Metropolis were contaminated with faecal coliform bacteria, thus could not serve as route of transmission of water borne diseases. Total Heterotrophic bacteria counts were also elevated in all samples ranging from 6 x 10 1 to 44 x 10 1 cfu/ml.

Effect of Convergent Rays on Coliform and Total Culturable Heterotrophic Bacteria in Water

Aims: Verification of the effect of convergent rays on coliform and total culturable heterotrophic bacteria counts (TCHBC) in River (surface water), well and borehole (underground) water bodies around Choba and Aluu communities. Place and Duration of Study : The efficiency of convergent ray’s disinfection of surface (Rivers) and underground (well and Borehole) water bodies was conducted on Choba and Aluu communities water samples in River State, Nigeria in the Department of Microbiology laboratory, University of Port Harcourt between November, 2012 to December, 2013. Methodology: Different volumes of water samples were exposed to converged rays for 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours intervals using a circular - dish ray concentrator covered with Aluminum foil paper as the refl ecting material. The TCHBC was determined using bacterial plate counts while the coliform population was determined using the most probable number multiple tube technique. Result s : The study showed that coliform and TCHBC population had the same logarithmi c values at 0 hour and after 2 hours of exposure (1.2 logMPN/100 ml and 2.2 log cfu/ml). The coliform

Bacteriological and Physicochemical Analysis of Groundwater in Selected Communities in Obio Akpor, Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: This research work is aimed at assessing the quality of groundwater in Rumuekini, Rumuosi, Aluu communities in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State, Nigeria. Methodology: Bacteriological and physicochemical analyses were carried out on selected borehole water in Obio-akpor local government area, Rivers state and its environs. Twenty seven samples were obtained randomly from the following locations/communities namely: Rumuekini (nine samples), Rumuosi (nine samples) and Aluu (nine samples). In the study, total heterotrophic bacteria and coliforms were enumerated using the membrane filtration and multiple tube fermentation methods, respectively. The isolates were identified based on cultural, morphological characteristics and a battery of biochemical tests. Selected samples were also subjected to physicochemical analysis of parameters like pH and electrical conductivity which were measured in situ using the pH meter and the conductivity meter respectively. The temperature of the samples was also measured in situ using a thermometer. The nitrate, sulphate and chloride content of the Original Research Article Ugbaja and Otokunefor; BMRJ, 7(5): 235-242, 2015; Article no.BMRJ.2015.116 236 samples were determined using the spectrophotometric and argentometric methods respectively. Biological Oxygen Demand and Chemical Oxygen Demand were measured using the Winkler (respirometric) and titrimetric methods respectively; while the heavy metals’ content of the samples were determined using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: In this study, the total heterotrophic bacteria count for the samples ranged from 0.02 to 2.74 x 10 2 cfu/ml and were quite high compared to E.P.A and W.H.O standards of 1.0 x 10 2 cfu/ml for total heterotrophic bacteria. The results obtained from this study showed that coliform bacteria were present in forty percent of the samples analysed with counts ranging from 0MPN/100 ml to 9.1 MPN/100 ml. These values were much higher than the W.H.O. standards of zero coliform/100 ml. Enterobacter aerogenes was the most common coliform isolated while Escherichia coli was isolated from only one of samples obtained from Aluu community. Pathogens like Salmonella and Vibrio were not detected in any of the samples. The physicochemical analysis of borehole water samples obtained from the three locations revealed the following range values: pH (5.8-7.5), temperature (25-29oC), turbidity (0-0.8 NTU), Nitrate (1.32-7.72 mg/l), Sulphate (0.43-14.8 mg/l), B.O.D (1.8-4.4) etc. The concentration of zinc in the sampling locations ranged from 0.01 to 0.34 mg/l while that of lead and iron ranged from 0.01 to 0.06 and 0.03 to 0.25 mg/l respectively. Conclusion: The investigation in this study suggests that the borehole water samples were within W.H.O specified limits for the physicochemical parameters apart from pH that is below limit (5.8) for one of the samples obtained from Rumuekini; The status of water in some of these locations using microbiological, and physicochemical parameters as indicators can be said to be of acceptable limit for human consumption. However, the results obtained from this study showed that forty percent of the samples analysed had total coliforms (i.e. do not confirm with W.H.O standards); this may be as a result of improper construction/drilling of the boreholes or contamination of the storage tanks. There is need for the treatment of water from some of these boreholes in order to reduce the risk of infection.

Molecular Assessment of Microbial Species Involved in the Biodegradation of Crude Oil in Saline Niger Delta Sediments Using Bioreactors

Purpose: At elevated salinities conventional microbiological processes are not very effective, therefore clean up of contaminants using bioremediation strategy will involve the use of halophilic and halo-tolerant bacterial species. This research therefore aimed at isolating and identifying potential halophilic and halo-tolerant bacterial species capable of hydrocarbon degradation during bioreactor based treatment with exogenous nutrients. Methods: The diversity of indigenous bacterial species with potential to degrade hydrocarbons was investigated using both culture-dependent and independent techniques. Bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated saline sediments was carried out using seven 2.5 liter bioslurry bioreactors operated over a 64-day period. Physicochemical parameters monitored were pH, nitrate, phosphate, total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), temperature, salinity, and total organic carbon (%TOC). Results: The baseline TPH, PAH and pH of the sediments were 19 ppm, 3.1 ppm and 7.0 respectively. The baseline salinity of the sediment was 10% thus the sediment was adjudged moderately saline. TPH ranged from 97 ppm-105 ppm on day zero and decreased to an average of 5.62 ppm on day 64, while PAH ranged from 56 ppm-61 ppm on day zero and decreased to an average of 4.02 ppm on day 64. The bacterial species identified as potential hydrocarbon degraders includes Halomonas lutea, Achromobacter spp, Aquitalea magnusonii, Bacillus sp, Sphingobacterium sp, Shewanella sp, Brevundimonas naejangsanensis, Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, unidentified bacterium BH23 and Gordonia sp. The genus Pseudomonas formed majority of the isolates successfully sequenced and exhibited similarity values ranging from 91% to 100% with sequences deposited in GenBank. A combination of both molecular and culture based technique allowed the identification to species level of twelve isolates. One isolate could not be identified while the remaining isolates were identified to their generic level. Treatment BCD recorded highest total culturable heterotrophic bacteria (TCHB) count (7.1 × 108 cfu/g) and total culturable hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (TCHUB) count (6.7 × 108 cfu/g). There was a significant difference at P<0.05 in TCHUB bacteria counts between the unamended bioreactor slurries and those amended with organic and inorganic nutrients. There were also significant differences in TCHUB counts when the bioaugumented slurry was compared with those amended with NPK, Urea and cow dung using one way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison tests. Conclusion: This study revealed potentially novel bacterial species and previously described hydrocarbon degrading bacterial species that can be characterized further to determine their role in hydrocarbon degradation as well as their salt tolerance level prior to application in bioremediation of saline environments.

Enhancing productivity ofLabeo victorianusponds using maize flour as a carbohydrate source

This study investigated the effects of manipulating carbon–nitrogen (C/N) ratio and fish stocking density on pond productivity: total heterotrophic bacteria counts, plankton biovolume and benthic macro-invertebrates. Labeo victorianus juveniles were reared for 72 days in 18 hapas suspended in six ponds measuring 150 m2 at densities of 10, 15 and 25 fish m−2. Fish in hapas received a locally formulated and prepared feed containing 295 g kg−1 crude protein, and ponds were treated with a C/N ratio of either 10 or 20. All treatments were carried out in triplicate. Increasing C/N ratio from 10 to 20 increased phytoplankton by 13% and zooplankton biovolume by 25% in the water column (P < 0.001). Total benthic macro-invertebrates biovolumes were also 30% higher (P < 0.05) with a C/N ratio of 20 compared to 10. Total heterotrophic bacteria counts increased both in water and sediment by 29% while net yield increased by 15% from 1534 (C/N 10) to 1821 (C/N 20) kg ha−1 72 day−1. C/N ratio of 20 and a stocking density of 25 fish m−2 led to the highest yield, survival, production and net benefits. It is suggested that polyculture may lead to better utilization of pond communities to further improve pond productivity.

Sachet Water Quality and Brand Reputation in Two Low-Income Urban Communities in Greater Accra, Ghana

Sachet water has become an important primary source of drinking water in western Africa, but little is known about bacteriologic quality and improvements to quality control given the recent, rapid evolution of this industry. This report examines basic bacteriologic indicators for 60 sachet water samples from two very low-income communities in Accra, Ghana, and explores the relationship between local perceptions of brand quality and bacteriologic quality after controlling for characteristics of the vending environment. No fecal contamination was detected in any sample, and 82% of total heterotrophic bacteria counts were below the recommended limit for packaged water. Sachets from brands with a positive reputation for quality were 90% less likely to present any level of total heterotrophic bacteria after controlling for confounding factors. These results contrast with much of the recent sachet water quality literature and may indicate substantial progress in sachet water regulation and quality control.

Secondary Microbial Infection in Carangid Fishes Due to Cymothoid Isopod Parasites

To enumerate the secondary microbial infection due to isopod parasites. One gram of tissue from the infected and uninfected part (body surface) was taken and homogenized with sterilized seawater. Samples were taken for enumeration of total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) and fungi. For enumeration of THB and fungi the pour plating technique was adopted. THB was enumerated using Zobel marine agar and fungi using 2 % Malt extract agar. The total count was expressed as colony forming unit/g. Gram stain is a differential staining method to identify bacteria based on the chemical and physical properties of their cell wall. The THB count in the infected fishes was significantly higher than in uninfected fishes. From the biochemical identification to identified isolates are Flavobacterium, Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. putida, Citrobacter, Photobacterium, Bacillus, Mycobacterium marinum, Flexibacter, Vibrio salmonicida, A. salmonicida, Bacillus sp. Fungal strains were identified as Exophiala salmonis, Ichthyosporidiosis based on the microscopic, morphological characters. Present study that the parasitation of Carangid fishes by the isopods lead to secondary infection by pathogenic microbes which may affect the fish population. It is observed to create more possibilities for secondary infection by bacteria and fungi due to their higher density area of the fishes.

Dietary galactooligosaccharide affects intestinal microbiota, stress resistance, and performance of Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus) fry

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of galactooligosaccharide (GOS), on the growth performance, stress resistance and intestinal microbiota of Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus) fry. Specimens (1.36 ± 0.03 g) were fed either a basal control diet (0% GOS, non-supplemented) or the basal diet supplemented with 1% and 2% of GOS. After 7 weeks of the feeding trials, growth factors (final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, condition factor and food conversion ratio) as well as body composition, resistance to salinity stress and autochthonous intestinal microbiota were assessed. Results demonstrated that at the end of the trial growth factors (final weight, weight gain, SGR, FCR) were significantly higher in 2% GOS fed fish (P < 0.05). In addition, supplementation of GOS significantly increased both survival rate (P < 0.05), and resistance to a salinity stress challenge of prebiotic fed groups (P < 0.05). However, body composition and the total autochthonous intestinal heterotrophic bacteria counts remained unaffected in different treatments (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, autochthonous lactic acid bacteria levels were significantly elevated in fish fed 2% dietary GOS (P < 0.05). These results confirm that GOS improves growth performance, stress resistance and modulates intestinal microbiota by increasing lactic acid bacteria of Caspian roach fry, a very important fish species in the Caspian Sea.

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&nbsp; Assessment of spring water from Ikare-Akoko, a rural setting in southwest, Nigeria for microbial and chemical contaminants was carried out. Total heterotrophic bacteria count of 4.0 x 106CFU/mL was highest during the peak of the rainy season in Omi-idu spring (Igbede community) while the lowest population of 0.14 x106&nbsp;CFU/mL was in Agadagidi spring (Ishakunmi community). The highest coliform population of 2.8 x 106&nbsp;CFU/mL was at Isunpaiye (Oyinmo community), while the lowest value of 0.19 x106&nbsp;CFU/mL was recorded at Agadagidi (Ishakunmi). The multiple tube fermentation technique was employed to determine the most probable number (MPN) of coliforms per 100 mL of water sample. The highest MPN/100 mL value of 76 &plusmn; 2.1 for coliforms was recorded at Isunpaiye while the lowest value of 5.1 &plusmn; 2.1 was in Agadagidi spring. Physico-chemical properties of the spring waters were mostly within the WHO benchmark for potable water. Arae had the highest total dissolved solids (TDS) value of 969 mgL-1&nbsp;(benchmark, 500 mg/L), total hardness values were normal except at Arae (260 mg/L). Heavy metals levels in the spring water were generally low except in Omi-idu spring. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Rural setting, spring water, heterotrophic bacteria, coliform bacteria, physico-chemical properties, heavy metals.

Effect of Storage on the Quality of Sachet-Vended Water in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana

Sachet water was introduced in Ghana to provide safe, hygienic and affordable instant drinking water to the general public. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of storage on the quality of sachet-vended water produced in the Tamale Metropolis. Two brands of sachet water were sampled freshly after production (Six packs or bags), transported to the laboratory and analysed. Samples of freshly prepared sachet water were then stored at ambient room temperature (at 27°C), in a refrigerator (at 4°C) and in the sun (at 40°C). Samples from these three storage methods were collected and analysed on a weekly and monthly basis for a period of three months. The physico-chemical parameters were within World Health Organization limits regardless of the mode of storage. The pH of sachet water ranged from 6.69 to 7.89 with a mean of 7.38 ± 0.31. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the physico-chemical parameters for the sachet water under the different storage conditions over the period. The concern however was the low concentration of these major ions, sodium, potassium, total hardness, calcium and magnesium which seem to pose direct health concerns. The counts of total heterotrophic bacteria ranged from 0.0 to 73 cfu/1ml with a mean of 19.16 (SD = 21.61) of the sachet water samples. Total heterotrophic bacteria regrowth was observed on the third week in all brands stored and gradually deceased numerically throughout the study period. Total coliform regrowth ranged from 0.0 to 5 cfu/100 ml. There was significant difference (p Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that Food and Drugs Authority and Ghana standard Board should ensure minerals concentrations of sachet water are improved to meet the general dietary requirement.

Potential Biodeteriogens of Indoor and Outdoor Surfaces (Coated With Gloss, Emulsion and Textcoat Paints)

Potential Biodeteriogens of indoor and outdoor surfaces (coated with gloss, emulsion and text coat paints) within the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria were investigated. Potential Biodeteriogens implicated in deterioration of painted surfaces were bacteria, fungi, microalgae and cyanobacteria. The total heterotrophic bacteria counts and total fungal counts for outdoor and indoor painted surfaces ranged from 2.8 x 10 6 to 9.00 x 10 6 cfu/g paint scrape, 1.56 x 10 4 to 6.6 x 10 4 cfu/g paint scrape; and 1.1 x 10 6 to 6.5 x 10 6 cfu/g paint scrapes, 1.31 x 10 4 to 9.8 x 10 4 cfu/g paint scrapes respectively. The result of THB and TF count expressed graphically showed surfaces with increasing order of microbial load: Gloss paints < Text coat paint < Emulsion paints. Predominant bacterial genera isolated from the surfaces include Bacillus (29.0%), Pseudomonas (22.6%), Proteus (19.4%), Serratia (16.1%), Citrobacter (6.5%), Enterobacter (3.2%) and Klebsiella (3.2%). Fungal genera isolated include: Alternaria, Aspergillus , Cladosporium , Fusarium ,Geotrichum , Gleosporium , Penicillum , Rhizopus , Saccharomyces and Stachybotrys . Fungi were the predominant biodeteriogens. Predominant microalgae isolated from the wet painted surfaces include Chorella , Characium , Closterium , Geminella , Oscillatoria , Totrogonnidium and Triceratium . Physicochemistry of various paint surfaces revealed the following: TOC (1.30 - 3.49%), Phosphate (0.39-8.82mg/100g), nitrate (4.64-187.58mg/100g), sulphate (99.78-285.00mg/100g), pH (8.55-9.59), oil and Grease (125.00-285.00mg/100g).Result showed that different consortia of biodeteriogens implicated in indoor and outdoor painted surfaces are dependent on the chemical compositions of the various paints, nature of the coating surfaces and physicochemical parameters influencing the microbial processes. Emulsion surfaces habour most potential biodeteriogens on their surfaces than the other surfaces. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the various potential biodeteriogens,