Total Coliform Bacteria Counts Research Articles

The Effect of Using Aqueous Extract of Cyperus Rotundus Tubers on Characteristics and Shelf Life of Chicken Nuggets

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of the Cyperus ‎rotundus tubers ‎on fat oxidation and stored frozen chicken nuggets' physical and microbial ‎characteristics. The extract was incorporated into minced poultry meat at concentrations of 0% (control), 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%, and the treated samples were stored for periods of 1 and 30 days at -18°C. The addition of Cyperus rotundus extract significantly improved the pH values and water-holding capacity of the treated nuggets (T2, T3, T4, and T5) compared to the control (T1) across both storage durations. Moreover, a notable reduction in lipid oxidation markers (peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA), free fatty acids (FFA), and total volatile nitrogen (TVN) was observed in the treated samples relative to the control. Additionally, a significant decrease in the total coliform bacteria count was evident in the treated nuggets, which inversely correlated with the concentration of the Cyperus rotundus extract. The findings suggest that the aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus tubers beneficially affects the quality and safety of chicken nuggets, enhancing their shelf life when stored at -18°C for up to 30 days‎‎‎.

Enhancing bacterial inhibition in beetroot beverages: The potent combination of sappan heartwood extracts via accelerated solvent extraction and pulsed electric field methods

This study aimed to investigate the potential of sappan heartwood extract as an inhibitor of foodborne pathogenic bacteria in beetroot juice. The extract was obtained using an accelerated solvent extraction process (using an ethanol/water solvent mixture (3:1 w/w) at 120 °C and 1500 psi for 5 min), yielding 10.04 g per 73.6 g of dried sappan heartwood powder, with a percentage yield of 13.64 and 2.69 % brazilin. The extract was combined with pulsed electric fields (PEF) at different strengths and tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), and Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium). Results showed that the combination of sappan heartwood extract and PEF at 15 kV/cm and concentrations of 3.91, 5.86, and 11.73 mg/mL effectively reduced the total plate count and coliform bacteria count, and completely eliminated B. cereus and S. typhimurium during 7 days of storage at 4 °C. Furthermore, this combination was found to be more efficient in bacterial elimination compared to thermal pasteurization and potassium sorbate addition. These findings suggest that sappan heartwood extract can be used as a natural antimicrobial agent in food products, especially in beetroot juice, where regulatory standards restrict the addition of preservatives. Using sappan heartwood extract in combination with PEF is highly effective in killing foodborne pathogens, reducing the risk of consumer harm and ensuring food safety.

ENUMERATION AND DETERMINATION OF ANTIBIOGRAM OF BACTERIA ISOLATES FROM HAND-DUG WELL WATER IN BOSSO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Regular water supply surveillance is crucial in low-income nations like Nigeria, where households often rely on alternative sources, predisposing preventable water-borne diseases. Therefore, this study determined the occurrence and antibiogram of bacteria in hand-dug well water in Bosso metropolis, Nigeria. Exactly 10 well water samples were collected and processed for bacteria isolation and identification using standard microbiological techniques. The antibiotic sensitivity was determined via Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion techniques. The total viable bacteria count ranged from 0.45×103 cfu/mL to 2.15×104 cfu/mL, while the total coliform bacteria count ranged from 0.27×103 cfu/mL to 8.91×104 cfu/mL. Out of the 18 different bacteria isolated, Pseudomonas species had the highest occurrence (26.9%), and the least (3.9%) was observed for each of Shigella sp., Klebsiella sp., and Staphylococcus aureus. Also, 7 out 26 bacterial isolates isolated were multidrug-resistant. Escherichia coli, Shigella sp., Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Klebsiella sp. were susceptible (100%) to ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin, though resistant (100%) to ampicillin and amoxycillin/clavulanate. All the Gram-negative bacteria isolates except Salmonella sp. were susceptible to gentamycin. Similarly, Pseudomonas sp., Proteus sp., and Salmonella sp. exhibited varied resistance to nitrofurantoin (71–100%), cefuroxime (50–100%), and ceftazidime (42.9–100%). Bacillus sp., Enterococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Streptococcus sp. were resistant to cloxicillin and amoxycillin/clavulanate. In addition, Bacillus sp. (100%) and Enterococcus sp. (100%) were resistant to ciprofloxacin while remaining susceptible to ofloxacin and amoxycillin/clavulanate. Our findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced water quality and public health measures in the study areas...

Occurrence of coliforms and biofilm-forming bacteria in raw, treated, and distributed water from two waterwork systems in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria.

This study assessed the bacteriological quality of raw, treated, and distributed water from Ede-Erinle and Opa reservoirs in Osun State, Nigeria. This was to determine the potability of water from these waterwork stations. Eighteen sampling points were established across the two reservoir networks for this study. Samples were collected bi-monthly for two annual cycles. Serial dilution and pour plate methods were employed for the enumeration of bacterial load. Total heterotrophic bacteria count (THBC) and total coliform bacteria count (TCBC) were enumerated on nutrient and MacConkey agar at 37 °C, respectively. Bacterial isolates were characterized using biochemical identification methods with reference to Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. Bacterial isolates and biofilm formation were further identified molecularly through the PCR method using specific universal primers. Mean values of THBC and TCBC in distributed water from Ede-Erinle (9.61 × 104 ± 1.50 × 104 CFU/mL; 69.56 ± 26.81 CFU/mL) and Opa waterworks (9.58 × 104 ± 2.55 × 104 CFU/mL; 142.94 ± 44.41 CFU/mL) exceeded permissible limits for drinking water. Paenibacillus lautus, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Pseudomonas stutzeri showed biofilm-forming capacity. The study concluded that the presence of coliforms and biofilm-forming bacteria in distributed water implies that the water is unfit for consumption without further treatment.

Microbiological quality assessment of milk and its fermented derivatives produced in the Sfax region, Tunisia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial quality and safety of milk and its derivatives in the Sfax area, Tunisia. Two hundred and forty samples of ultra-high temperature sterilized milk (UHT) and pasteurized milk, and its derivatives (yoghurt, fermented milk, cheese, and butter), collected from in-dustrial sale sites and traditional small-scale dairy processing units, were microbiologically analysed and the results compared to the European commission (EC, 2004) maximum limits. All the UHT steri-lized milks analysed were free of microbial contamination and packaging-stable. However, pasteurized milk by thermal treatment at 63 °C for 30 min showed that 41 and 13% of samples were contaminated with total microbial count (TMC) and Escherichia coli. In the analysed samples, total and faecal coliform bacteria (TC and FC) counts exceeded the EU limits in 17 and 9% of industrial yoghurts; 85 and 54% of traditional yoghurts, and 57 and 29% of traditional butters, respectively. Furthermore, all studied fermented milks (Lben and Raieb) exceeded the EU coliform limits. Considering the traditional soft cheese made with pasteurized milk, 61% of the analysed samples respected EU limits in TC except one sample contaminated with both of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes detection showed that only one pasteurized milk sample was contaminated by L. mon-ocytogenes, without any Salmonella detection. Traditional producers must implement good manufac-turing practices and hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) to ensure integral safety and quality of dairy products.

Evaluation of tributyrin supplementation in milk replacer on diarrhoea occurrence in preweaning Holstein calves

Neonatal calf diarrhoea is one of the most important health challenges in cattle herds causing substantial economic losses and antimicrobial use. Due to the raising problem of antimicrobial resistance, effective alternatives are urgently required, in line with European policies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tributyrin supplementation in milk replacer on diarrhoea, performance and metabolic status in preweaning Holstein calves. Twelve newborn calves, after colostrum administration, were randomly allotted in two experimental groups for 42 days: control (CTRL) fed milk replacer, tributyrin (TRIB) fed milk replacer supplemented with 0.3% of liquid tributyrin on milk powder weight. Calves BW was recorded on a weekly basis from day 7 to day 42, and feed intake was recorded daily to calculate zootechnical performance. Faecal consistency was assessed daily through the faecal score (0–3 scale; considering diarrhoea moderate = 2 and severe = 3). Faecal samples were collected weekly from rectal ampulla for microbiological analysis by plate counting method evaluating the number of total bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and coliform bacteria. On day 0 and day 42, individual blood samples were collected from jugular vein for metabolic profile analysis. Serum samples of day 42 were also evaluated for the antioxidant barrier using a colorimetric test, while glucagon-like peptide 2 and diamine oxidase concentrations were measured through immunoenzymatic assays. Tributyrin supplementation did not influence the zootechnical performance of calves over 42 days of trial. Diarrhoea frequency was significantly lower in TRIB compared to CTRL group (27.91 and 38.37%; P < 0.01) considering the whole experimental period. In particular, the major effect was observed for moderate diarrhoea in TRIB group that showed a significantly reduced frequency compared to CTRL (P < 0.01) thus suggesting a preventive effect of tributyrin. Faecal total bacterial, lactic acid and coliform bacteria counts did not show differences between groups. Urea serum concentrations tended to be lower in TRIB compared to CTRL, indicating an efficient utilisation of dietary protein. Antioxidant barrier and glucagon-like peptide 2 were comparable between CTRL and TRIB on day 42. Diamine oxidase concentrations were significantly decreased in TRIB compared to CTRL group after 42 days of trial (P < 0.01), suggesting a higher gut epithelial integrity probably due to lower diarrhoea frequency and the nourish effect of tributyrin on enterocytes. In conclusion, tributyrin could be considered as a valuable bioactive feed additive to decrease the neonatal diarrhoea occurrence and support intestinal integrity in preweaning calves.

Menaquinone content and antioxidant properties of fermented cabbage products: Effect of different fermentation techniques and microbial cultures

Pickled cabbages (brine-pickling) and sauerkraut (dry-salting) were produced by adding the probiotic mix culture and Lb plantarum culture, as well as spontaneous fermentation. During the fermentation, Lactobacillus spp, yeast-mold count, total coliform bacteria count, pH and total acidity were followed. Total phenolic content, ORAC and TEAC values, ascorbic acid and Menaquinone (MK-4 and MK-7) contents were analyzed in fermented samples. Lactobacillus spp was 7.82–9.70 cfu/g. Lactobacillus spp count was higher in culture-added samples and sauerkraut samples. Sauerkraut samples had higher total phenolic content, ORAC and TEAC values than pickled cabbage samples. It was found that sauerkraut samples produced by probiotic culture and spontaneous fermentation contained higher amounts of MK-4 and MK-7. Color, odor, texture, sourness and overall evaluation scores of sauerkraut samples were higher in sensory evaluation.

Türkiye’nin kuzeyinde ova ve kentsel alanlardan geçen bir akarsuyun mikrobiyal kirlilik göstergelerindeki mekânsal-zamansal değişimlerin değerlendirilmesi

The degradation of watersheds due to urban development increases the vulnerability of surface waters to pollutants of anthropogenic origin. Urban streams draining near swimming waters can contribute significantly to the deterioration of water quality. In the study, the microbial quality of the Terme River was investigated seasonally by collecting samples from four different stream sites. Microbiological analyzes were performed using standard methods with membrane filtration. The colony-forming unit (CFU) method determined fecal contamination in samples. The mean number of colonies in Terme River water samples was determined as 712 CFU/100 mL, 278 CFU/100 mL, and 64 CFU/100 mL for total coliform, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium perfringens, respectively. This situation indicates that there was fecal contamination in the stream. According to the bacteriological parameters in the Water Pollution Control Regulation, Terme River was found to be of class II water quality in terms of total coliform bacteria count. The Research results determined that the Terme River is not much polluted in terms of microbiological quality but has values under the pressure of pollution. To not increase the pollution level, the direct mixing of domestic wastes/wastewater, animal wastes, and drainage channels from the settlements and agricultural areas around the river should be prevented. The public should be made aware of the necessary precautions.

Physicochemical and Microbiological Properties of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Fillets Marinated with Rosemary and Laurel Essential Oils

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the effects of rosemary and laurel essential oils added into marination formulas of common carp. All analyses were carried out on the 1st, 4th, and 7th days of marination. During marination, TAMB count was in the range of 3.78–6.16 log cfu/g, while TAPB count was 3.62–5.90 log cfu/g, total coliform bacteria count was 0.00–4.86 log cfu/g, LAB count was 3.37–5.06 log cfu/g, and the total yeast and mold count was 3.68–5.61 log cfu/g. The pH values of the samples varied between 3.65 and 5.64. TBARS values were determined between 0.214–0.556 mg MA/kg fish. The differences both in the color values and the textural properties of the samples were significant. When all the data was considered, the marination process with rosemary and laurel essential oils positively affected the microbiological and physicochemical properties of common carp fillets.

Association of the efficiency of hemodialysis instruments in the removal of microbial and chemical pollutant.

Dialysis water is vital because of various harmful contaminants for patients. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of hemodialysis instruments in the removal of microbial and chemical pollutant in educational hospitals affiliated to Ahvaz Jundishapur University of medical sciences, Iran during 2018–2019. This cross-sectional descriptive research studied the microbial and chemical water quality of hemodialysis instruments in Razi, Sina, and Golestan hospitals in Ahwaz, Iran. 72 samples of microbial parameters and 24 samples of chemical parameters were collected from water used in hemodialysis instruments, including microbial characteristics (the total coliform, fecal coliform and heterotrophic bacteria counts) and chemical characteristics (pH, turbidity, PO4, Cl, Mg, So4, Ca, NO2, and EC) at Razi, Imam, and Golestan educational hospitals on all weekdays during 2018-2019. In this study, experiments were done according to the current standard methods, EPA from hemodialysis instruments. Finally, using SPSS18 software and descriptive statistics, the relationship between results at the removal of toxic, microbial, and chemical pollutants in different months and hospitals was investigated. this study showed that the average concentration of chemical characteristics during the warm season at Razi, Imam, and Golestan educational hospitals for pH, Turbidity, PO4, Cl, Mg, So4, Ca, NO2, and EC were (6.867, 6.4475, 6.53); (2.985, 3.035, 1.226); (0.075, 0.245, 0.195); (38.5, 21.965, 144.87); (1.552, 1.657, 39.445); (8.6, 4.5, 21.5), (2.09, 3.187, 78.975); (0.0082, 0.038, 0.155), and (125.25, 70.35, 78.35), respectively during 2018. Also, during 2019, results showed that the average levels of amounts for pH, Turbidity, PO4, Cl, Mg, So4, Ca, NO2, and EC in Razi, Imam, and Golestan educational hospitals were (7.077, 7.252, 6.435), (1.725, 0.595, 4.16), (0.0775, 0.0597, 0.0297), (52.33, 138.81, 20.92), (23.52, 18.227, 8.767), (35, 27.25, 4.05), (14.58, 28.152, 9.25), (0.0067, 0.0045, 0.0032), and (210.52, 121.62, 29.16), respectively. According to the results, hemodialysis instruments in Razi and Imam have a 90% efficiency in removing heterotrophic bacteria counts (HPC). Based on these findings, educational hospital hemodialysis equipment effluent in Ahvaz, Iran was mitted to Iran environmental standards for use in hemodialysis machines. The result showed that the removal percentage level of microbial and chemical pollutants by the hemodialysis process is comparatively suitable. It should be mentioned that in the proper operation and reconstruction, hemodialysis systems can have an increased rate of removal of microbial and chemical pollutants.

Farklı Çiftliklerden Elde Edilen Keçi Sütlerinde Sütün Bileşimi ve Mikrobiyolojik Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi

Goat milk has a great importance for human nutrition considering its nutrient content. In addition, the demand for goat milk and products derived from goat milk has increased in recent years. However, the microbiological properties of milk can directly affect human health. In this study, it was aimed to determine the nutrient content and some microbiological properties of goat milk obtained from different farms. In the study, hand milking farms were determined. After milking, a sufficient amount of milk sample was taken and brought to the laboratory at +4°C. In the milk samples, the composition of the milk, the total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, the number of yeast-mold and coliform bacteria were determined. The highest protein, lactose and solids ratio (%) was obtained in milk samples taken from farms 2 and 4. The highest fat content in milk was determined in the sample taken from farm 4. It was observed that the milks of farms 2, 3 and 4 had similar mineral substance amounts. Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (PCA) count (191×104), yeast-mold (PDA) count (42×103) and coliform bacteria (VRBA) count (710×102) were determined in farm 2. As a result, in terms of some milk components were determined statistical differences between farms. The main difference is in terms of milk hygiene. However, it was determined that the milk showed significant changes in terms of microbiological properties according to the farms from which they were obtained. It can also be said that these changes may affect the health of people who directly or indirectly consume these milks.

Microbiological properties of water and sediment of New Calabar River, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Microbiological characteristics of water and sediment of New Calabar, River, Port Harcourt, Nigeria were investigated. Water and sediment samples were collected from three stations {Aluu, ARAC (Station 1; Choba Bridge (Station 2) and Rumuokparali (Station 3)} on a monthly basis between February and April, 2020 and analyzed using standard methods. The results showed that Total Heterotrophic Bacteria in water (THBw) ranged between 2.20 x 102 and 2.6x104 cfu/ml with the overall mean value of 7,313.33 + 1039.09 cfu/ml while that of sediment (THBs) ranged between 3.1 x 103 and 3.9 x 104 cfu/g with the overall mean value of 42,566.67 + 71199cfu /g. The THB counts were higher in sediment than in water with Station 2 significantly different from other stations. Total Coliform Bacteria (TCB) in water ranged between 1.1 x 103 cfu/ml and 2.9 x 103 cfu/ml with the mean value of 1988.89±532.55cfu/ml while that of sediment ranged between 1.3 x 103 cfu/g and 2.5 x 104 cfu/g with the mean value of 9422.22 ±9595.41cfu/g. TCB counts in water showed no significant difference across the stations at p&lt;0.05 but Station 2 statistically differed from Stations 1 and 3 in the sediment. Morphological and biochemical tests showed that 8 bacteria species were isolated from sediment and and 9 specimens were recovered from water. Some isolated specimens were: Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus. sp, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis while Escherichia coli was the only bacterium found in water but absent in sediment. Two species: Staphylococcus spp and Bacillus subtilis dominated the study area. Fungal counts in water ranged between 3.0 x102 and 2.6 x 103 cfu/ml with the overall mean value of 1911.11±67.51cfu/ml while that of sediment ranged between 1.7 x101 and 3x102 with the overall mean value of 173.00±78.52 cfu/g. Fungi counts showed significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) across the stations in water and sediment. Macroscopic and microscopic characterization of fungi showed that 6 fungi species were recovered in water and sediment. These included Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus oligospora and Pennicillium species. The species Fusarium solani and Aspergillus flavor were found in Station 1 but absent in Stations 2 and 3. It could be observed that microbial counts in both water and sediment exceeded the 1.0x102 cfu/ml and 0 cfu/ml recommended levels by WHO and EPA respectively. Thus, the study area may be under threat and the water may be unsafe for human consumption.&#x0D; Keywords: Microbiological Properties, Sediment, Water, New Calabar River, Port Harcourt

Evaluation of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil supplementation on growth performance, digestive enzymes, intestinal histomorphology and gut microbiota of Black Sea salmon, Salmo labrax

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil (EO) on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal histomorphology, and intestinal microbiota of the Black Sea salmon juvenile (Salmo labrax). Fish were fed diets different levels of oregano EO such as 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg kg−1. For this purpose, a total of 675 fish were distributed randomly in triplicate into 5 experiment groups in 15 experiment tanks. Fish with average initial weights of 3.52±0.01 g were fed by hand at 3% of live weight for 90 days. At the end of the study, feeding with oregano EO supplementation did not significantly affect the growth performance of fish. Except for pepsin, there were no significant differences in the activity of digestive enzymes among the control and oregano EO groups. Besides, oregano EO at the doses of 50 or 400 mg kg−1 may have the potential to increase the surface area required for digestion by increasing intestinal villi length. Moreover, all doses of oregano EO showed antimicrobial properties by decreasing the count of lactic acid bacteria in the intestine. Supplementation with 100 and 200 mg kg−1 oregano EO in diets decreased the total coliform, Escherichia coli and lactic acid bacteria counts when compared to the control group. The results showed that oregano EO may positively affect digestion and absorption without adverse effects on the growth performance of Black Sea salmon juvenile.

Evaluation of the ecological health and food chain on the shores of four River Nile Islands, Egypt

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of human activities on the ecological health and food chain at the shores of four Nile Islands in Great Cairo including El-Qeratten, El-Waraq, El-Zamalek, and El-Manial. Water quality, bacteria, phytoplankton, benthic algae, zooplankton, macrobenthic invertebrates, and bony fishes were examined at each island shore over two seasons including the lowest and the highest flow (February and July 2020, respectively). The obtained results showed that the average values of most of the chemicals in Nile Island’s water were within the Egyptian water quality limits. Discriminant analysis of physicochemical factors revealed a similarity between El-Waraq and El-Qerateen and between El-Manial and El-Zamalek. El-Qeratten was the most polluted island. It has the highest total and fecal coliform bacteria count (3.155 and 3.050 Log MPN/100 mL, respectively). El-Zamalek shores have the highest phytoplankton (33,582 cells × 104 L−1) and zooplankton count (310,891 organisms × m−3) and phyto-biochemical values. Biochemical analysis of phytoplankton demonstrated the richness of the bulk by protein (> 85% of biomass), indicating that phytoplankton has a high nutritional value. Elevated zooplankton count was recorded at El-Zamalek, which coincided with the peak of phytoplankton abundance. Mollusca were the dominant macrobenthic invertebrates on most of the island’s shores. Bony fishes were represented by 27 species and two crustaceans. The levels of the metals in fish samples were compared with the food safety guideline endorsed by the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization (WHO/FAO) to evaluate the toxicity level.

The Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Structural Changes in Beef Are Dependent on the Ultrasound System, Time, and One-Side Exposition.

The effect of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) system (bath, 37 kHz and 90 W/cm2; or probe, 24 kHz and 400 W) and application time (25 or 50 min, one-side exposition) on the properties of bovine Longissimus lumborum after 7 d of storage at 4 °C was studied. The bath system significantly increased the lightness of the muscle, while other color parameters (a*, b*, hue, and chroma) were not different from the control. The water holding capacity and shear force decreased significantly (3.1–5% and 0.59–0.72 kgf, respectively) in sonicated meat independently of the system, favoring the tenderization of the muscle after storage. Microstructural changes observed in the HIU-exposed surface provided evidence of a higher area of interfibrillar spaces (1813 vs. 705 µm2 in the control), producing tenderization of the muscle, compared with the control. HIU significantly increased counts of total aerobic and coliform bacteria, especially after 50 min of ultrasonication. HIU also increased lactic acid bacterial counts in the bath system. Single-sided muscle exposition to ultrasound may produce sufficient significant changes in muscle properties, which could decrease long treatment times that would be needed for the exposition of both sides. HIU in bath systems increases tenderness by modifying meat ultrastructure, with no significant changes in physicochemical parameters. Nevertheless, microbiological quality may need to be considered during the process due to a slight increase in bacterial counts.

Seasonal Water Quality and Algal Responses to Monsoon-Mediated Nutrient Enrichment, Flow Regime, Drought, and Flood in a Drinking Water Reservoir.

Freshwater reservoirs are a crucial source of urban drinking water worldwide; thus, long-term evaluations of critical water quality determinants are essential. We conducted this study in a large drinking water reservoir for 11 years (2010–2020). The variabilities of ambient nutrients and total suspended solids (TSS) throughout the seasonal monsoon-mediated flow regime influenced algal chlorophyll (Chl-a) levels. The study determined the role of the monsoon-mediated flow regime on reservoir water chemistry. The reservoir conditions were mesotrophic to eutrophic based on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations. An occasional total coliform bacteria (TCB) count of 16,000 MPN per 100 mL was recorded in the reservoir, presenting a significant risk of waterborne diseases among children. A Mann–Kendall test identified a consistent increase in water temperature, conductivity, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) over the study period, limiting a sustainable water supply. The drought and flood regime mediated by the monsoon resulted in large heterogeneities in Chl-a, TCB, TSS, and nutrients (N, P), indicating its role as a key regulator of the ecological functioning of the reservoir. The ambient N:P ratio is a reliable predictor of sestonic Chl-a productivity, and the reservoir was P-limited. Total phosphorus (TP) had a strong negative correlation (R2 = 0.59, p < 0.05) with the outflow from the dam, while both the TSS (R2 = 0.50) and Chl-a (R2 = 0.32, p < 0.05) had a strong positive correlation with the outflow. A seasonal trophic state index revealed oligo-mesotrophic conditions, indicating a limited risk of eutrophication and a positive outcome for long-term management. In conclusion, the Asian monsoon largely controlled the flood and drought conditions and manipulated the flow regime. Exceedingly intensive crop farming in the basin may lead to oligotrophic nutrient enrichment. Although the reservoir water quality was good, we strongly recommend stringent action to alleviate sewage, nutrient, and pollutant inflows to the reservoir.

Amendment of Livestock Manure with Natural Zeolite-Clinoptilolite and Its Effect on Decomposition Processes during Composting

The aim of study was to investigate the effect of amendment of cow manure with natural zeolite-clinoptilolite and hydrated lime on decomposition processes over the period of 90 days. Two static piles of amended substrates were constructed consisting of cow manure with an addition of bulking material (2.5% by weight): (1) manure mixed with zeolite (S1); manure mixed with zeolite and lime (S2). Third amendment-free pile served as a control (C). During the experiment, pH level, temperature (T), dry matter (DM), ash, organic matter (OM), C/N ratio, ammonia nitrogen (N-NH4+) and total nitrogen (Nt) were determined. We also determined the counts of total coliform and faecal coliform bacteria and faecal streptococci as indicators of the hygiene level of compost. A significant increase (p &lt; 0.001) in temperature to 53 °C was observed in S2 compared to C. In S2 we observed a significantly reduced release of N-NH4+ from the composting substrate compared to C (p &lt; 0.05). The significant differences were in Nt content in C and S2 (p &lt; 0.001) and between S1 and S2 (p &lt; 0.05). The concentration of Nt increased and caused decrease in the C/N ratio. The content of Nt in the substrates with zeolite increased by 44% in S1 and 45% in S2 compared to C. The differences in counts of coliform and faecal coliform bacteria between C and S2 were significant (p &lt; 0.001). This experiment showed that amendment with zeolite and lime decreased nitrogen losses during composting and indicated sorption effects of zeolite.

The Biological Parameters as an Indicators of Water Quality for a Tourism Area Spot in Jurang Sate Primary Canal Central of Lombok, Indonesia

Jurang Sate primary canal is one of the the main irrigation canal in central Lombok which supplies water from the main network, namely Jangkok, Sesaot, and Keru Feeder weir to several secondary canal and to irrigated tertiary plots. The local community use the Jurang Sate Primary canal in a variety of daily activities, and nowadays it is used as a means of water tourism. The purpose of this study was to determine the water quality for ectourism area spot of the Jurang Sate primary canal based on biological parameters, namely the total Coliform bacteria, and the diversity of phytoplankton species. Measurement of coliform bacteria parameters and phytoplankton diversity was carried out ex-situ. The results showed that the total Coliform bacteria count in each sample calculated with MPN index was in the range of 170-110000 MPN/100 ml. The phytoplankton identified in this study were 24 species, 15 orders, and 6 classes. Phytoplankton species diversity index value of 1.32 (medium category). The water of the primary channel of Jurang Sate was categorized in moderately polluted. The conclusion of this research is the water of the Jurang Sate primary canal is not ideal for water tourism activity.

Effect of Ziziphus spina-christi and Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oils on the microbiological quality of braided cheese during the storage period

The purpose of this study was to understand how the addition of Ziziphus spina–christi and Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oils as antimicrobial agents affect the microbiological properties of braided cheese. Cheese was made from warmed (45℃) raw cow milk to which essential oils of Z. spina–christi and C. zeylanicum (0.3% and 0.5%) were added. Microbiological characteristics were determined at 1, 7, 14 and 21-day intervals. The essential oils of Z. spina–christi and C. zeylanicum significantly reduced the counts of total viable bacteria (TVB), coliform bacteria, S. aureus, yeasts and moulds in cheese supplemented with the oils compared to the control cheese. As the concentration of oil increased, the number of microbes decreased. The storage period had a significant effect on the microbial counts in both the control cheese and the cheese supplemented with essential oils of Z. spina–christi and C. zeylanicum. The addition of the oils as preservatives to the braided cheese was effective against microbial populations and could be used in cheese preparations to extend the shelf life of cheese, particularly for cheese made from raw milk without the addition of starter culture.

Türkiye’nin İzmir ilinde marketlerden satın alınan dondurulmuş kara midyelerin (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Lamarck, 1819) mikrobiyolojik kalitesi

The purpose of this study was to examine the microbiological quality and consumer safety of frozen black mussels purchased from four different markets (A, B, C, D) in the İzmir Province of Turkey. A total of 36 frozen black mussel packages, which contained approximately 50 mussels in each, were purchased from the markets. They were not only examined for total mesophilic, psychrotrophic, coliform and fecal coliform bacteria count but also investigated for pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Vibrio spp. According to the results of the mesophilic bacteria counts, frozen black mussels did not exceed the microbiological limits set for safe consumption. The findings showed that frozen black mussels purchased from (A, B, C, D) of markets were safe for human consumption because pathogenic bacteria species such as E.coli, Salmonella spp., S. aureus, L. monocytogenes and Vibrio spp. were not present in the frozen mussel samples.