Bacteriological Analysis of Fruits Consumed in Rivers State University Female Hostels

Ugboma; C.J.; Okpara; J.C. Bello; C.M.; Emmanuel O.O.; Amaechi; G.

doi:10.56201/rjfsqc.vol.11.no5.2025.pg103.113

📄 Download Paper

Bacteriological Analysis of Fruits Consumed in Rivers State University Female Hostels

Ugboma, C.J., Okpara, J.C. Bello, C.M., Emmanuel O.O. and Amaechi, G.

Abstract

Bacteriological studies were conducted on a variety of fruits consumed by residents of the female hostels at Rivers State University. A total of twenty samples each of five different types of fruits—watermelon, apple, banana, and orange—were collected from vendors and hawkers near the NDDC hostel, hostel H, hostel C, and hostel B. These samples were surface- sterilized using distilled water and analyzed following standard microbiological procedures. The homogenized samples were cultured on bacteriological media using the spread plate technique and then incubated aerobically at suitable temperatures and times. Pure cultures of the resulting microbial isolates were obtained from subcultures of the primary plates. These isolates were identified through morphological, microscopic (using Gram staining and lactophenol cotton blue staining), and biochemical methods. The investigation revealed that the mean Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count (THBC) ranged between 2.2 x 105 cfu/ml and 4.6 x 105 cfu/ml. The results also showed a Total Coliform Count (TCC) between 1.5 x 102 cfu/ml and 3.1 x 102 cfu/ml, a Faecal Coliform Count (FCC) from 1.8 x 101 cfu/ml to 3.9 x 101 cfu/ml, and a Total Staphylococcus Count (TSC) ranging from 11.1 x 104 cfu/ml to 3.4 x 104 cfu/ml. Additionally, the Total Salmonella-Shigella Count (TSSC) varied from 2.3 x 103 cfu/ml to 4.3 x 103 cfu/ml, while the Total Vibrio Count (TVC) ranged from 2.0 x 102 cfu/ml to 3.5 x 102 cfu/ml. In total, 69 microbial isolates belonging to 25 different genera were identified, including Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Enterococcus spp., and others. While the presence of these bacteria and fungi indicates a need for improved sanitary practices among fruit vendors, it also presents an opportunity for growth. By investing in proper training for fruit vendors on hygiene practices, we can help ensure that they implement ef

References

Akomolafe, O. M. and Awe, T. V. (2017). Microbial contamination and polyethylene packing of some fruit s and vegetables retailed at Akure and Ado Ekiti, South Western Nigeria. Journal of Stored Products Post-harvest Resources, 8(6),65-72. Allatis, A. and Busami, S. (2017). Microbiology of fresh oranges after storage at room and refrigeration temperature conditions. International Journal of mFood safety, Nutrition, Public Health and Technology,3(1),1-3. Al-Jedah, J. H. and Robinson, R. K. (2022). Nutritional value and microbiological safety of fresh fruit juices. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 1(2), 79-81. Amusa, N. A., Baiyewu, R. A. and Afolabi, O. (2013). Postharvest disease and aflatoxic contamination of marketed fruits in Nigeria. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2(4), 178-181. Arotupin, D. J., Awojobi, K. O., Owolabi, T. R. and Eze, C. (2016). "Microorganisms associated with African star a p p l e ( Chrysophylum a l b i d u m ) a n d t h e i r h y d r o l a s e s ." African Journal of Microbiology Research 10, no. 7 (2016): 225-230. Cheesbrough, M. (2010) District Laboratory Practice in Tropical Countries. 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom. Chukuezi, C. O. (2010). Food safety and hygienic practices of street food vendors in Owerri, Nigeria.Studies in Sociology of Science, 1, 50-57. Durgesh, P. M., Ranjana, G. K. and Varsha, K. V. (2018). Microbiological analysis of street vended fruit juices from Mumbai, India. Internet Journal of Food Safety, 10, 31-34. Feglo, P., Sakyi, K. (2012). Bacterial Contamination of Street Vending Food in Kumasi, Ghana. Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences. 1(1): 1-8. Gultie, A., Sahile, S., Subramaman, C. (2013). Assessment of fruit management in Gondar town markets of North Western Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Fruits Management Research, 2(4), 4-8. Jolaoso, A. A., Kareem,S. O., Ogunmuyiwa, S. I. O., Ajayi and Osifeoso, O. O.(2010).Microbial analysis of sliced pineapple and pawpaw in Ogun State. Journal of Medical and Applied Bioscience, 2,9-14. Mahfuza,J.,Aizina, H., Kamruzzaman, M. Afifa, K., Afzal, H. Rasied, N. and Roksana, H.(2016). Microb ial status of street vended fresh-cut fruits, salad vegetables and juices in Dnaka City of Bangladesh. International Food Research Journal, 23(5),225-2264. Mohinddin, T. W., Lawaire, S. and Goodacre, R. (2016). Public health implications of microbial contamination in fruits. International Journal of Agricultural and Food Research, 5(2), 56-63. Nwachukwu, E. and Chukwu, O. C. (2018). Microbial quality of fruits sold in urban markets of Nigeria. Journal of Food Microbiology, 6(4), 132-139. Nyenje, M. E., Odjadjare, C. E., Tanih, N. F., Green, E., Ndip, R. N. (2012). Foodborne pathogens recovered from ready-to-eat foods from roadside cafeterias and retail outlets in Alice, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: Public Health Implications. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 9(8):2608–19. Okojie, P. W. and Isah, E. C. (2014). Sanitary conditions of food vending sites and food handling practices of street food vendors in Benin City, Nigeria. Implication for food hygiene and safety. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 1(4), 1-6. Oranusi, S. and Olorunfemi, O. J. (2021). Microbiological safety evaluation of street vended ready-to- eat fruits sold in Ota,Ogun State,Nigeria. International Research in Biological Sciences, 1(3),27-32. Oyeleke, S.B. and Oyewole, O.A. (2005). Assessment of microorganisms associated with deterioration of Chrysophillum albidum fruits vended in Minna, Nigeria. Nig. Soc. Expert. Biol. 16(2): 34 – 38. Prescott, L. M., Harley, J. P. and Klein, D. A. (2005) Microbiology. Sixth International Edition. Mcgraw-Hill Publishing Company, UK, 652-668. Singh, A.K. (2009). Tests, Measurements and Research Methods in Behavioural Sciences. Bharati Bhawan, New Delhi. African Journal of Science and Education. Ugwu, C. C.and Edeh, P. A. (2019). Evaluation of microbial quality of ready-to-eat fruits sold in different markets of Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies (IJIRAS), 48-52.

Bacteriological Analysis of Fruits Consumed in Rivers State University Female Hostels

Abstract

References

More Articles from RESEARCH JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND QUALITY CONTROL