Contamination Of Fruits Research Articles

"Evidence of Helminthic Contamination of Fruits and Vegetables in Kaduna, Nigeria"

"Evidence of Helminthic Contamination of Fruits and Vegetables in Kaduna, Nigeria"

Global prevalence of intestinal protozoan contamination in vegetables and fruits: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Environmental contamination of vegetables and fruits with intestinal protozoan trophozoites, cysts and oocysts is a means of transmitting parasitic agents of public health importance. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the global prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasite contamination in vegetables and fruits. Several databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar) were searched for literature published up to August 2021. Pooled prevalence was determined using the meta-package in R (version 3.6.1). Out of 90,404 publications, 189 articles (202 datasets) met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 183 investigations documented protozoan contamination in vegetables and 20 in fruits. The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) was 20% (16%–24%) for vegetables and 13% (7%–21%) for fruits. The highest pooled prevalence was found in South-East Asian WHO region 37% (6%–76%). The most prevalent protozoan parasite in vegetables was Cryptosporidium spp. (11%, 7%–15%). As well, Entamoeba histolytica was the most common agent found in fruits (9%, 4%–14%). Furthermore, the unwashed samples had the highest pooled prevalence of contamination (22%, 3%–49%). Our data suggest a possible risk of protozoan infection in humans via unwashed vegetables and fruits. Accidental ingestion of protozoa occurs through consumption of contaminated vegetables and fruits that have been improperly washed and prepared under poor sanitation. Using sanitary irrigation water, consuming properly cleaned and cooked vegetables, and practicing good hygiene can all assist to reduce the risk of protozoa infection.

Global incidence of helminthic contamination of vegetables, cucurbits and fruits: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Accidental ingestion of infective stages of helminths through consumption of contaminated vegetables and fruits causes a wide range of food-borne diseases in humans. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the global incidence of helminthic contamination of vegetables, cucurbits and fruits. Several databases (Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for literature published prior to November 2020. Overally, 184 articles (32 countries) met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 137 studies documented helminthic contamination in vegetables, 46 in cucurbits and 9 were in fruits. The pooled incidence (95% confidence interval) was 31% (26%–37%) for vegetables, 20% (14%–27%) for cucurbits and 20% (8%–37%) for fruits. The highest incidence rate was found in the Western Pacific WHO region (54%; 9%–95%). The most prevalent parasitic agents were Ascaris lumbricoides eggs (12%; 9%–15%) and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (12%; 8%–16%) in vegetables, S. stercoralis larvae (10%; 5%–15%) and Toxocara spp. eggs (10%; 3%–21%) in cucurbits, and Trichuris trichiura eggs (9%; 1%–22%) in fruits. The highest incidence rate was found to be associated with lower-middle income countries (34%, 28%–41%) and regions with a tropical rainforest climate (50%, 10%–91%). The potential role of vegetables, cucurbits, and fruits in the spread of helminthic parasites was revealed. Utilizing clean water for irrigation, proper washing and cooking of vegetables and improved sanitary practices can decrease the public health hazard regarding the consumption of vegetables, cucurbits, and fruits.

A novel ratiometric fluorescent aptasensor accurately detects patulin contamination in fruits and fruits products

Patulin (PAT) contamination in fruit and fruit products is a significant public health concern. Here, we developed a ratiometric fluorescent aptasensor for PAT detection based on aptamer-recognition and Exonuclease III amplification. Two structure selective dyes, SYBR Green I (SGI) and N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM), were used as fluorescent probes. In the developed biosensing system, the binding of PAT to aptamer triggered the liberation of cDNA. Subsequently, amplification was mediated by Exonuclease III. S1 was released from the S1-S2 duplex by enzymatic hydrolyzation and incorporated into a stable G-quadruplex. As a result, the fluorescence of SGI decreased, whereas that of NMM increased. There was a strong linear correlation between the relative fluorescence intensity and PAT concentrations (20 to 500 ng·L−1 range) (R2 = 0.99). The biosensing system was highly sensitive, and could detect PAT concentration as low as 4.7 ng·L−1. The sensor was also highly specific, and could differentiate PAT from several other related mycotoxins. In summary, we developed a new bioassay for the accurate detection of PAT contamination in fruits and fruit products. This research provides a new approach for developing ratiometric bioassays based on structure-selective dyes and enzymatic conversion processes.

A Sensitive Aptasensor Using Biotin-Streptavidin System for Patulin Detection in Apple Juice.

Patulin contamination in fruits, vegetables, and their products is considered a serious health risk factor for food safety and human health. Thus, a rapid, simple detection method for patulin is becoming important, which could provide a tool for routine screening and food surveys. The objective of this study was to develop a sensitive aptamer-based lateral flow assay (FLA) using Streptavidin functionalized gold nanoparticles for sensitive patulin detection. An excellent dynamic range for patulin detection was obtained (2.7~139.8 ng/mL in the buffer and 7.07~359.5 ng/mL in the sample) with no affinity for other mycotoxins such as zearalenone (ZEN), ochratoxin A (OTA), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), citrinin or tenuazonic acid (TEA). The limit of detection was 0.19 ng/mL in the buffer and 0.36 ng/mL in the real sample. The recoveries were 83.3% to 107.1%, with a satisfactory RSD value from 6.5% to 7.5%. Hence the established LFA could be used as a rapid, simple, on-site screening tool for PAT determination in apple juice.

Epidemiology and public health implications of parasitic contamination of fruits, vegetables, and water in Kwara Central, Nigeria.

Fruits and vegetables are sources of parasitic infections in humans. This study was designed to determine the epidemiology of parasitic contamination of fruits, vegetables, and water, as well as the perception of retailers, buyers, and consumers about its contamination in Kwara Central, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was employed for this study. A total of 160 fruits, 349 vegetables, and 51 water samples were randomly purchased/collected from thirty different markets. The samples were subjected to sedimentation and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques. All the types of fruits and vegetables sampled were contaminated with one or more parasites. Eleven different species of zoonotic parasites (6 protozoans and 5 helminths) were detected. Entamoeba coli (39.8%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (9.6%) were the most prevalent protozoan and helminth respectively. The prevalence of other protozoan parasites ranged between 21.3% (Entamoeba histolytica) and 2.3% (Balantidium coli), while that of helminths was between 5.7% (Ascaris lumbricoides) and 2.1% (Trichuris trichiura). Source of fruits and vegetables, source of manure for cultivation, the source of water for washing/wetting purpose, market type, washing of fruits and vegetables before display, the presence of children at home and in the market, and knowledge of parasitic contamination were the risk factors associated (P<0.05) with parasitic contamination of fruits and vegetables among sellers. There is a need to educate the general public on the possibilities of parasitic contamination of fruits and vegetables and its public health implications.

Studies on use of plant extracts as natural coatings for enhancing shelf life and quality of banana fruits

Banana being a climacteric fruit have a very short shelf life. The extension of fruit shelf life is an important goal to be attained. One such natural method of extending post-harvest shelf life of fruits is the use of the formulated edible coatings of natural plant extracts. Natural coatings have long been known to protect perishable food products from deterioration by retarding dehydration, suppressing respiration, improving textural quality, helping retain volatile flavour compounds, and reducing microbial growth. Recently, the uses of plant-based products have been started in fresh fruits and vegetables as bio-preservatives. Aloe-vera gel is one of the promising bio-preservative, which has a great potential to become a common use for most fresh fruits and vegetables. Starch is the storage polysaccharide found in legumes, cereals, and tubers vegetables, like potato, cassava, corn, rice, banana etc. It is a good barrier to oxygen transmission but poor to water vapour. The presence of turmeric extract added to edible film can function as an antioxidant due to the presence of curcumin. Banana peel can be used as a potential source to preserve banana with extended shelf stability and reduce microbial growth. Pomegranate peel has antifungal and antibacterial property which provides a defensive barrier against microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables the effect of essential oils and their constituents reduce post-harvest diseases of horticultural products and fruits. Among different treatments, the highest phenol content and lowest microbial count, disease score and disease index was recorded in T2 (Aloe-vera gel (20%) respectively.

POSTBIOTICS: A SOLUTION TO PROTECT TROPICAL FRUITS TOWARDS POSTHARVEST ADULTERATION

Food security is threatened by numerous pathogens that cause a variety of foodborne illnesses. The promotion of healthier lifestyles increases the consumption of fresh products such as tropical fruits. Their consumption can expose the consumer to a higher risk of diseases since the fruits do not undergo processing steps to ensure the effective elimination or inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, postharvest treatments are essential for the preservation of the fruit, by reducing the microbial load and lengthening the perch life. Unlike traditional means of postharvest protection, biopreservation of fruits offers the benefits of the natural ecosystems of the microbiome in fruits. The principle of biopreservation is the use of beneficial microorganisms, with the ability to control the growth of other microorganisms, through the production of metabolites known as bacteriocins, postbiotics, metabiotics, paraprobiotics, proteobiotics. These active molecules produced by probiotic bacteria may constitute a safe alternative capable to protect the fruits from deterioration or postharvest damage. The present review described the sources of contamination and deterioration of tropical fruits along with the use of bioactive compounds such as postbiotics as an alternative for fruit protection.

Mercury Contamination in Selected Edible Plants and Soil from Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining in Sukabumi Regency, Indonesia

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities often pollute soil, water, and air, thereby achieving widespread proliferation, and contaminating the surrounding biota including plants. Mercury contamination on agricultural land around ASGM areas has been widely reported. This study aims to determine the total mercury contamination in plants and soil around active ASGM sites in Sukabumi Regency, Indonesia, namely, Waluran, Lengkong, and Ciemas Districts. Total mercury (Hg) content was measured from 27 plant samples (including cassava [Manihot utilisima], rice [Oryza sativa], and papaya [Carica papaya]), 7 rhizosphere soil samples, and 7 non-rhizosphere soil samples. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis test. Results showed no significant difference in total mercury concentrations among locations or plant parts, between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils (p > 0.05), and among cassava plant parts, papaya, and rice. The highest mercury level was found in cassava (0.33–43.27 ppm). Mercury contamination in rice and papaya was relatively low at 0.03–1.22 and 0.06–5.11 ppm, respectively. According to the Regulation of the Head of BPOM of the Republic of Indonesia Number 23 of 2017 concerning the Maximum Limit of Heavy Metal Contamination in Processed Food, 0.03 ppm is the maximum limit of mercury contamination in fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Therefore, all plant samples around the ASGM sites have exceeded the maximum mercury contamination and thus are not suitable for consumption.

Determination and probabilistic health risk assessment of heavy metals in widely consumed market basket fruits from Dhaka city Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Heavy metals contamination of fruits and vegetables is a growing concern to the public and policymakers in developing countries. This study investigated the extent of heavy metal contamination in widely consumed grape, apple, orange, banana, and pomegranate from supermarkets in Dhaka, Bangladesh, using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) to assess the health risks to humans. Of the total 80% of banana and 60% of pomegranate samples, the mean lead (Pb) concentrations were 0.608 and 0.164, respectively, exceeding the maximum allowable concentration (MAC = 0.1) set by FAO/WHO and EU regulations, while the remaining fruit samples were below the limit. The Single-factor pollution index (PI) of Pb in bananas (6.08) and pomegranate (1.64) was higher than the reference value (PI>1), indicating the lower quality of fruits due to the higher amount of lead contents. The calculated incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRs) of cadmium (Cd) and Pb in banana, apple, grape, orange, and pomegranate for both children and i adults were exceeded the threshold limit (ILCR>10−6), which suggests that the consumption of heavy metal contaminated fruits poses potential cancer risks to the human health. In contrast, target hazard quotients (THQs) and chronic hazard index (HIs) values of all heavy metals were in the range of (THQ: 2.4 × 10−6–0.76; 6.5 × 10−7–0.20) and (HI:0.03–0.49; 0.01–0.13), respectively, for children and adults, which were below the acceptable limit (THQ<1), indicating no potential non-cancer risk for both consumer groups. These findings might help the policymakers and regulatory bodies concerned to apply control measures through monitoring the quality of locally grown or imported fruits available in supermarkets for human consumption.

A review on phorate persistence, toxicity and remediation by bacterial communities

Pesticides are an integral part in maintaining agriculture and horticultural productivity and play a vital role in meeting the increasing food, fiber, and fuel needs of the growing population. Globally, organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) are among the most common pesticides used due to their high proficiency and relatively low persistence in the environment. However, recent studies have reported problems due to pesticide use, e.g. , phorate contamination of aquatic ecosystems (fresh and groundwater), sediments, fruits and vegetables, and forage crops. This review highlights many cases where phorate has been detected above its respective maximum residue limit values. Organophosphate pesticides, including phorate, have negative impacts on both the environment and human health. The ecological and public health concerns of recurrent pesticide utilization have encouraged the research related to environmental fate of pesticides. Bioremediation is an effective, eco-friendly, and financially viable approach for the decontamination and degradation of toxic OPPs from the environment, compared to the costly, unecological, and time-consuming physicochemical approaches, which lead to the generation of byproducts of higher toxicity. Researchers have recognized that a wide range of microbes, mainly bacteria, can degrade this extremely hazardous pesticide. Therefore, this review discusses the present pesticide scenarios, especially phorate contamination, its toxicity, biodegradation, and metabolic products via bacterial communities, both in India and globally. The latest and up-to-date literatures on the use, contamination, and bacterial application of phorate degradation are also summarized. This article offers national and international food safety organizations and public health authorities the ability to be involved in preventing the risks associated with the use of food and nutrition products contaminated with extremely toxic phorate pesticide. This article would also enable researchers to develop comprehensive and sustainable methods to effectively remediate pesticide-contaminated environments. In conclusion, it is envisaged that the successful application of bacterial communities for degradation of phorate would help in understanding the fate and persistence of such toxic pollutants in a better way.

Applications of ultrasound for food preservation and disinfection: A critical review

Ultrasound has excellent potential in reducing microbial contamination and has also shown remarkable results in the wastewater treatment and pollutant removal. The different mechanisms of ultrasound in reducing the microbial contamination in food industry are rather exploratory. The present review focuses on the role of ultrasound in improved disinfection, sanitization, and preservation applications in food processing. This paper discusses the physical and chemical effects of ultrasonic cavitation on microbial inactivation. A comprehensive literature is provided to investigate and analyze the broad area application of ultrasound in preventing the microbial contamination in fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, and during alcohol fermentation. The applied combination of ultrasound with different novel and conventional methods to intensify the ultrasound-based effect has also been discussed. Overall, this work clearly establishes the background on the prospects of ultrasound disinfection and cleaning in the food industry as a green, effective, sustainable approach to prevent foodborne diseases. Novelty impact statement The present study establishes a groundwork for the application prospects of ultrasound-based novel, green, and sustainable methods for disinfection and cleaning in the food industry and provides a new insight into the ultrasound mechanisms while analyzing the combined approaches for varied microbial inactivation practices.

Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Fresh Produce.

Fresh vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, but microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables is a serious concern to human health, not only for the presence of foodborne pathogens but because they can be a vehicle for the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This work aimed to investigate the importance of fresh produce in the transmission of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae. A total of 174 samples of vegetables (117) and farm environment (57) were analysed to determine enterobacterial contamination and presence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Enterobacterial counts above the detection limit were found in 82.9% vegetable samples and 36.8% environmental samples. The average count was 4.2 log cfu/g or mL, with a maximum value of 6.2 log cfu/g in a parsley sample. Leafy vegetables showed statistically significant higher mean counts than other vegetables. A total of 15 ESBL-producing isolates were obtained from vegetables (14) and water (1) samples and were identified as Serratia fonticola (11) and Rahnella aquatilis (4). Five isolates of S. fonticola were considered multi-drug resistant. Even though their implication in human infections is rare, they can become an environmental reservoir of antibiotic-resistance genes that can be further disseminated along the food chain.

Parasitic Contamination of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Port Harcourt Metropolis Markets, Rivers State, Nigeria

Parasitic contamination of fresh fruits and vegetables sold in selected markets in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. was investigated. Oil mill and Creek Road were the two major markets in Port Harcourt metropolis area selected for this study. A total of 216 samples of different types of fruits and vegetables were randomly sampled for parasitological examination using normal saline and zinc sulphate floatation techniques. The results showed that out of the 216 samples of vegetables and fruits examined, 87 (40.3%) were infected. The results were statistically significant (P&lt; 0.05). The parasites identified included Entamoeba coli; Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Balantidium coli, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancyclostoma spp and Fasciola spp. Entamoeba coli was the most prevalent parasite (83.15%) while Ascaris lumbricodes (1.12%), Ancyclostoma spp (1.12%) and Fasciola spp (1.12%) had least prevalence. There was statistical no difference (P&gt;0.05) in prevalence of parasites genus in the two markets. Tomatoes had the highest contamination rate of (10.6%) followed by waterleaf, bitter leaf, green leaf, pumpkin leaf, pear, orange, and scent leaf with the prevalence rate of 9.3%, 8.8%, 4.6%, 3.2%, 1.9%, 1.4% and 0.5% respectively. Produce contaminated with intestinal parasites poses a serious health challenge to the consumers if they are not properly washed before consumption. Personal hygiene and proper washing of fresh fruit and vegetable before consumption will reduce the prevalence of food-borne parasitic infections.

Yogurt drink spoilage profiles: Characterization of physico-chemical properties and coliform potability analysis

This study aims to determine the yogurt drink spoilage profiles and its physico-chemical properties correlation as to investigate the coliform potability level upon exposure to an open air (unsealed condition). The commercially available three induced contamination of fruit (berry) flavoured yogurt drinks (labelled as A0 (original-flavoured Farm Fresh™), A1 (Farm Fresh™), A2 (Marigold™) and A3 (Nestle®)) were created to pre-run a spoilage indicator model system with regards to the colony formation unit (cfu) and its physico-chemical properties. Physio-chemical analysis (e.g., Brix, pH, colour and contact angle) and microbiological analysis were performed at 30 min intermittently for up to 4.5 h as soon as the food sample was unsealed (room environment condition: 27 ± 2 °C; relative humidity (RH): 73 ± 1%). The results showed the presence of yeast and fungus in yogurt drinks after all samples were opened and exposed to the environment. The total formation of yeast colonies and fungi of all three-yogurt berry drink brands on DRBC agar were inevitably high during the treatment (p < 0.05). The amount of cfu/ml of yeast and fungus was higher than the total coliform colony (Escherichia coli) formed throughout the sampling period. The pH analysis showed a significant decrease throughout the treatment due to the accumulation of lactic acid which resulted in high acidity (p < 0.05). The colour profiles of A1 brand showed a significant improvement as compared to A2 brand due to the increasing redundancy degree (p < 0.05). However, the A3 brand has a significant low reduction value, which is the degree of yellowness due to the microorganism’s contamination. Finally, the contact angle analysis at 0:00–3:00 h, the range of contact angle of A1 (exclusively selected due to highly pathogenic spoilage) was 45.34–42.80° while at 3:30–4:30 h was 58.66–61.12° with diameter 0.9 and 0.7 cm respectively. In conclusion, the presence of yeast and mould was first detected in the samples as early as 0:30 h (1.4 × 104 cfu/ml) and become unsatisfactory after being exposed to environment for 4 h and 30 min. The contact angle spoilage indicator exceeds from 45.34° (control) to 58.66° as to tangibly indicate the unsatisfactory values in terms of microbiological quality and potentially harmful to the consumers.

Fungitoxic Potentialities of NECO 50 EC in an Integrated Black Sigatoka Management Strategy in Industrial Dessert Banana Plantation

Black leaf streak disease (BLSD) is the major constraint on banana production around the world. In Côte d'Ivoire, this disease is found in all banana-growing areas and its management involves the use of large volumes of agrochemicals. This mode of production is increasingly denounced by consumers from regarding fruit contamination by phytopharmaceuticals. The objective of this study is to promote the use of NECO 50 EC, a plant extract-based biofungicide in an integrated black Sigatoka management system. The fungitoxic effect of NECO 50 EC was assessed in vitro on Mycosphaerella fijiensis conidia germination and the evolution of black leaf streak disease symptoms under natural infestation. NECO 50 EC was applied over a surface area of 25 ha at a rate of 0.3 l/ha. Its weekly effect on the evolution of the rank of the youngest leaf affected (YLA), the rank of the youngest necrotic leaf (YLN), the number of functional leaves at flowering (NFLF) and the number of functional leaves at harvest (NFLH) was determined and then compared to those of a morpholine (Volley 88 OL) applied over a surface area of 25 ha at a dose of 0.5 l/ha. NECO 50 EC showed an anti-germinating effect on Mycosphaerella fijiensis conidia at low doses, useful in reducing disease spreading. Its application in banana tree plantations reduced disease pressure on the plots. It ensured the protection of new leaves generated (YLA &gt; 4), favored ranks of YLN greater than 9. More than 14 leaves were counted at flowering and more than 7 leaves at harvest were observed.&#x0D; NECO 50 EC, a plant extract-based biological fungicide, may be an effective alternative for black leaf streak disease control in industrial banana tree plantations.

Listeria monocytogenes Survival on Peaches and Nectarines under Conditions Simulating Commercial Stone-Fruit Packinghouse Operations.

Recent recalls of stone fruit due to potential Listeria contamination and associated foodborne outbreaks highlight the risk for pathogen transmission through stone-fruit consumption. Particularly, surface contamination of fruits increases the risk for cross-contamination of produce during processing and storage. This highlights the need for quality control in stone fruits intended for consumption. To develop effective food safety practices, it is essential to determine the critical factors during stone-fruit processing that influence Listeria survival. Therefore, this study evaluated the ability of Listeria to survive on peaches and nectarines under simulated stone-fruit loading and staging, waxing and fungicide application and storage conditions. The results of our study indicate that current stone-fruit handling conditions do not favor Listeria growth. However, once fruit is contaminated, Listeria can survive on the fruit surface in significant numbers under current processing conditions. Therefore, there is a need to develop and implement preventive controls at the stone-fruit packinghouse to prevent Listeria contamination and deter pathogen persistence.

Rapid enrichment detection of patulin and alternariol in apple using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy with coffee-ring effect

Patulin (PAT) and alternariol (AOH) are the main mycotoxin contaminants in fruits and their products, which have great toxic effects on human body due to their teratogenicity and carcinogenicity. This study proposed a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology combining chemometrics and coffee-ring effect to build high-throughput label-free detection models for PAT and AOH. A stable coffee ring structure was built by optimizing the drying temperature and droplet volume. Comparing the partial least squares (PLS) models grounded on variables selection method, the best performance was obtained by using synergy interval (Si) and genetic algorithm (GA) for PAT (Rc = 0.9905, Rp = 0.9759) and AOH (Rc = 0.9829, Rp = 0.9808), respectively. The limits of detection (LOD) for PAT and AOH were as low as 1 μg L−1, and the recovery rates were 92.80%–114.83% with relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 4.86 for PAT and 82.06%–108.13% with RSD ≤2.28% for AOH. The SERS technology combined with chemometrics and coffee-ring effect holds promise for high-throughput label-free detection of PAT and AOH in fruits and their products.

Intestinal nematodes Ascaris lumbricoides Eggs on Fruits in Jakabaring Central Market Palembang City

Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) intestinal nematodes hich is still a health problem in Indonesia. This disease could occur due to various factors, such as the habit of not washing the fruit before consumption. Consumption of fruits helps meet nutritional needs to protect the body from various diseases. This research aimed to determine whether there is STH egg contamination in fruits sold at the Jakabaring Central Market. This research was a descriptive-observational study. The fruit sample were collected from Jakabaring Central Market. A total of 50 fruits samples in this study consisted of Citrus sinensis, Cucumis melo, Ananas Comosus, Musa sp., and Citrullus lanatus The sample processing was carried out using the sedimentation method. About 200 grams of fruit skin samples were immersed in 0.2% NaOH. Microscopic observations were made at the Biooptic Laboratory and Medical Chemistry Laboratory of FK Universitas Sriwjaya. A total of 9 (18%) samples were showed positive results of STH contamination, which were 7 samples of pineapple Ananas comosus (14%) and 2 samples of watermelon Citrullus lanatus (4%). From the 9 positive samples, 35 Ascaris lumbricoides infertile-decorticated eggs were found. Thus, contamination of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs in fruits were detected and its non infective stage Jakabaring Central Market Palembang City. Although all eggs found in non infective stage , with sufficient percentage of contamination, improving hygiene before consuming must be considered.

Treated municipal wastewater reuse for eggplant irrigation

In the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, the availability of freshwater is limited and therefore farmers must start using alternative water sources such as treated wastewater for irrigating crops. The present study is of great importance, since it provides evidence of some on-farm options that farmers can adopt when irrigating with treated effluent, in order to minimize the health risks. Eggplant was grown under two water quality regimes (Freshwater (FW) and treated wastewater (TW)) and two agronomic practices (no mulch (N_Mu) and use of plastic mulch (Mu)). Treatments were arranged in a split plot design with four replicates. Water quality regime was the main plot factor, while agronomic practices were the subplot factors. Water quality, soil, the marketable yield and other parameters were measured. Fruit samples were evaluated for bacterial contamination. The drip line performance was monitored. The study results revealed that the treatment with treated effluent gave more fruits.m-2, yield and mean fruit weight than the treatment using fresh water irrigation, with an increase of 3.98%, 10.74% and 5.63%, respectively. In addition, the use of mulch (Mu) resulted in an increase in yield (24.23%) and number of fruits (14.11%). Concerning the emitters’ performance and sensitivity to clogging, discharge reduction rate (Rd = 6.75%) for drippers delivering TW was lower than the admissible value of 20% discharge variation, indicating that the quality of water has little effect on emitter performance. Concerning bacterial contamination of fruits, irrigation with treated wastewater showed no contamination in terms of fecal streptococci, salmonella or E. coli. However, the fruits were contaminated with fecal coliforms that were present at a concentration less than 200 CFU.100 g-1. Following the World Health Organization Guidelines, pathogens could be reduced through post treatment health-protection control measures such as drip irrigation, product washing, disinfection and produce peeling