ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Microbial analysis of soil samples in a wastewater irrigated vegetable production site: Case study at Atonsu, Kumasi.

Though irrigation with wastewater has potential benefits of meeting water requirements as well as providing organic matter and nutrients to soil, it may also pose health hazards to farm workers and consumers of food products from wastewater-irrigated crop production. The soil then becomes a reservoir of enteric pathogens and has the potential to transmit many various diseases of enteric origin. The study was conducted on urban vegetable farming sites at Atonsu in Kumasi, Ghana. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of irrigation with wastewater on the microbiology of soils under vegetable cultivation by, (a) assessing the soil contamination levels in wastewater irrigated agricultural plots in urban Kumasi, and (b) detecting the presence of indicator organisms associated with agricultural plots. Soil samples from two different depths (0 - 30 cm and 30 - 45 cm) were collected from fields treated with different irrigation water sources and analysed. The treatments include plots where: (i) wastewater irrigation practice has been going on for over a decade , (ii) piped-water (PW) irrigation practice has been used for over a decade (control), and (iii) no recent cultivation has taken place (control). The irrigation water sources were also sampled for analysis. Both soil and irrigation water samples were analyzed for different physicochemical (pH, soil moisture, soil texture) and biological parameters (Total coliforms (TC), Fecal coliforms (FC), and helminth eggs) using standard methods. Soil samples from all three plots carried FC and helminth egg populations ranging between 0.03 to 9.5 x 104 per 10g for FC and 0 to 30 per 10 g for helminth. A number of different types of helminth eggs, including that of Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongiloides stercoralis, Fasciola hepatica, Schistosoma spp. were also identified in the soil samples. All soil samples had the following bacteria genera present in them: Escherichia, Bacillus, Staphyloccus, Pseudomonas and Clostridium. The upper soil profile had higher counts of coliforms and iii helminth eggs than the deeper soil profile. Wastewater irrigated plots had higher numbers of coliforms and helminth counts than those obtained from the potable water irrigated and no irrigation plots. The study concluded that pathogenic microorganisms in soils irrigated with wastewater may extend into lower profiles of the soil. However, factors such as the sieving effect of soil (influenced by soil texture), higher pathogen die-off rates, lack of substrate diversity and reduced soil moisture contributed to lower counts of coliforms and helminthes in the lower profiles of soil.

Source: KNUST
Microbial and Chemical Processes Associated with Burukutu, a Ghanaian Fermented Alcoholic Beverage

To identify and enumerate the different microorganisms involved in the fermentation of Burukutu, a traditional fermented sorghum beverage and the chemical changes associated with the fermentation. Information on the different methods used in its production were also assessed and documented amongst the processes through a questionnaire survey and personal interviews. At each stage of the production process, microorganisms involved were enumerated, isolated and identified and also the chemical changes associated with the process. The keeping quality of Burutuku was also studied. Results showed that there were no differences in the processing procedures amongst the Burukutu producers within the Greater Accra region. Types of microorganisms involved in the fermentation were predominantly lactic acid bacteria; Lactobacillus fermentum, L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, Lactococcus lactis subsp.lactis and Lactobacillus brevis, which were mainly associated with the acidification process and the yeasts; Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida krusei that brought about the alcoholic fermentation. Of the LAB isolates, Lactobacillus fermentum, L. plantarum and Lactococcus lactis subsp.lactis showed amylolytic properties. LAB isolates had antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. During the fermentation, Burukutu microbial numbers (log10 CFU/ml) varied between 6.66 to 8.14 for lactic acid bacteria and 6.82 to 8.18 for yeast. Similarly, pH, titratable acid, soluble solids and alcohol level of Burukutu during the fermentation varied between 3.36 to 2.88, 0.54 to 0.82; 7.5 to 3.33 and 0.99 to 4.47, respectively. Burutuku keeps best for up to twelve weeks if glass bottled, pasteurized and stored in a climatic chamber. This being the first major study of Burukutu in Ghana, it could be used to improve and upgrade the traditional production process.

Source: KNUST
Microbial and heavy metal contamination of skipjack and yellowfin tuna from beaches in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana

In Ghana and other parts of the world, consumption of fish and fishery products have raised serious health issues and is responsible for some of the reported deaths. Here, the microbiological contamination within the traditional smoking chain [freshly landed, after smoking and in the retail markets (smoked)] and heavy metal Hg, Pb and Cd levels of Skipjack and Yellowfin tuna from Accra Jamestown, Tema Canoe Basin and Prampram Lighthouse beaches in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana were studied. Aerobic Plate Count (APC) was done by the pour plate method and E. coli determined and enumerated by the Most Probable Number (MPN) method. Vibrio parahaemolyticus was determined by the spread plate method whilst heavy metal levels were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. APC values for fish were in the order 106, 104 and 102 in the retail market (smoked), at landing beaches (fresh) and at processing sites (smoked) for landing sites and species. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) for APC values at the various stages of production, the different landing beaches and the two species. Escherichia coli were present in freshly landed samples and also at the various retail markets for both species but not detected in fish sampled at the various smoking environment. Interestingly, Vibrio parahaemolyticus was not detected from all landing beaches and at all the stages of the production chain for both species. Fish handling practices clearly contributed to the high levels of microbiological loads after smoking. Heavy metal concentration showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) among different landing sites for both species. However for every metal, Yellowfin recorded significant higher levels (P < 0.05) compared to Skipjack. Together the study concluded that the mean concentrations of Hg, Pb and Cd in Tuna fish landed in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana were classified as low as per Ghana Standards Authority /European Commission/Food and Agricultural Organization requirements.

Source: KNUST
Microbial and Sensory Properties of Canned Tigernut Milk

Dairy milk is an indispensable food for the nourishment of animals and man due to its treasured nutritional content and thus remains an important part of daily meals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbial and sensory properties of canned Tigernut milk. The Tigernut were sorted, washed and divided into three batches for further processing. Cans were filled with 100 mL of the Tigernut milk produced and double seams made using a metal box 1 seamer. Retorting was done at 121 °C for 15 min. Microbial assay was carried out for 8 weeks to determine the total viable count of microorganisms in the canned Tigernut milk. The assessment of the microbial load of the products over the 8-week storage period showed results exhibiting similar trend as observed for the hourly study. The microbial loads over the storage period had no significant increase in load over time for some of the product formulations. Others however recorded some microbial growth with increasing counts over time. Even though the shelf life cannot be accurately predicted from such observation, an emphatic conclusion of the shelf stability of the product being far beyond an 8-week period can be ascertained. Microwaving as a method was seen to have resulted in producing sweet-smelling compounds leading to a higher preference over the other samples. Sensory evaluation was done. The results showed that the processing methods variably affected the various sensory attributes with no significant differences recorded for smell (p < 0.05). The cooked and microwaved samples were the most preferred for all the given attributes over the other samples. However, consumer preference had a slight shift towards the cooked sample in terms of overall acceptability. The microbial storage profile showed no growth up to the seventh week of storage for all samples.

Source: KNUST
Microbial characterization of wild-type Salmonella from Kumasi and their susceptibility to selected herbal preparations/extracts.

This study was aimed at investigating the level of antibiotic resistance of Salmonella strains isolated from patients suspected to be suffering from salmonellosis in Kumasi. The antibiotics tested included, the first-line antibiotics, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, tetracycline, and cotrimoxazole. Furthermore, the newer generation antibiotics including ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, gentamicin, amikacin, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone,and ceftazidime were tested as well. The study also investigated the susceptibility of thewild-type Salmonella strains to "Mist Enterica" (12-in-l), reformulated "Mist Enterica" (5-in -1) and another reformulated "Mist Enterica" (3-in-l), which\are herbal preparations prepared at the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM), Mampong-Akuapim and used at the Clinic of CSRPM to treat typhoid fever and other Salmonella infections. A total of sixty (60) Salmonella strains were isolated from blood, urine and stool samples in Kumasi. The Salmonella isolates were investigated for drug/multi-drug resistance. It was found that 55 (91.7%) of the Salmonella strains were S. typhi and 5 (8.3%) were S, typhimurium. The study found that 85% of the Salmonella strains (51 out of 60) were resistant to one or more of the antibiotics tested, with 58.3% (35 out of 60) showing multi-drug resistance (resistance to three or more antibiotics). Two concentrations of the herbal preparations, 20%w/v and 32 %w/v were evaluated. The "Mist Enterica" (12-in-l), 20%w/v and 32%w/v inhibited the growth of 81.7% (49 out of 60) and 95% (57 out of 60) of the wild-type Salmonella respectively. The reformulated "Mist Enterica" (5-in-l), 20%w/v and 32%w/v inhibited the growth of 88% (53 out of 60) and 91.7% (55 out of 60) of the wild-type Salmonella isolates respectively. The reformulated "Mist Enterica" (3-in-l), 20%w/v and 32%w/v inhibited the growth of 86.7% (52 out of 60) and 91.7% (55 out of 60) of the wild-type Salmonella is of the wild-type Salmonella isolates respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for the three herbal preparations were determined. The "Mist Enterica" (12-in-l) showed an MIC of lOmg/ml, the reformulated "Mist Enterica" (5-inl) showed an MIC of lOmg/ml and the reformulated "Mist Enterica" (3-in-l) showed an MIC of 20mg/ml.

Source: KNUST
Microbial Contamination of an Indigenous Leafy Vegetable, Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa L.) and Associated Risk Factors on Farm and Market Samples in the Kasena- Nankana East Municipality of the Upper East Region

The microbial quality of irrigation water sources and Roselle vegetable leaves produced and sold in the Kasena-Nankana East Municipality of the Upper East Region of Ghana were evaluated by measuring the levels of total and faecal coliforms, Enterococci and Escherichia coli in the different irrigation water sources and on the Roselle leaves (fresh and dry) using standard microbiological methods. The results show that microbial numbers in the dam water used as irrigation water in the cultivation of Roselle leaves compared to the other water sources was highest in total coliforms (1.54 x 108cfu), faecal coliforms (2.87 x 106cfu), Enterococci (253cfu) and E. coli (6.85 x 105cfu). General mean microbial indicator numbers followed in a descending order in well 3, canal, well 2 and well 1 being the lowest. Generally, microbial numbers in the irrigation water sources from the canal, well 1, well 2 and well 3 were not significantly different from each other (P>0.05). Similarly, microbial indicator numbers on the Roselle leaves were highest on that produced with dam water followed by well 2 canal, well 3 and well1. Microbial numbers on freshly harvested Roselle leave samples were not significantly different from that of the dry leaves sold on the market. The microbial quality of the irrigation water and Roselle leaves produced and sold were higher than that of WHO and ICMSF standards. Educating the public on microbial contamination and food safety will help reduce health risk associated with the consumption of such vegetables.

Source: KNUST
Microbial contents of household water in the Bantama Sub Metro of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana

Water is one of the indispensable resources for the continued existence of all living thing including man. An adequate supply of safe drinking water is human right issue. About 2 million death are recorded every year in children under five years due to water borne disease mainly caused pathogenic microorganism .This study was conducted to assess the microbial contents (specifically Total coliform and E.coli) in the Bantama sub-metro of Kumasi, Ghana between May –July 2016.A qualitative cross-sectional, using a combination of questionnaire, observation and laboratory analysis was employed in this study to collect some primary data in 300 households. Serial dilution and membrane filtration methods were adopted for the microbial water quality analysis and results expressed in cfu/100mls. Three major sources of water to households were identified, thus, pipe borne water from GWCL, water from boreholes and that from hand dug wells.20% of the water were found to contain Total coliform of which 14% contains E.coli, indicating fecal contamination of these water sources. Statistical analysis were also carried out using SPSS. The study revealed a statistically significant association between educational background and medium for water storage (p = 0.000), there were significant variations in the quality of water between the suburbs (p = 0.011). Contamination water sources by Total coliform and E.coli were attributed to poor water source protection, poor sanitation, low level of hygiene practices, and lack of monitoring and education. The potential health risks to the consumers of these water sources calls for prompt interventions to mitigate these risks

Source: KNUST
Microbial disposal of waste petroleum oils

Micro -organisms, which are believed to metabolize, waste petroleum oils from soaked soils were isolated and characterized using available equipment and information into the appropriate genera. Further studies classed the isolates in the aerobic and micro-aerophilic category. Isolate metabolic activity of the various petroleum fractions gave the following percentage fractions for profuse growth; 0.1-1.0% (petrol), 0.1-3.8% (Kerosene), 0.1 -2.3% (Engine oil) and 0.1-3.8% (Diesel). Morphological characteristics of the isolates were identical with average dimension of colonies ranging between 3.0mm and 4.9mm, and cell size between 0.7μm and l.6μm. The isolates showed gram-negative reactions. Cultured for the same period and using equal amounts of suspension, petrol gave 4.213 x l05 cells, Engine oil 3.78lx 105 cells, Kerosene 2.641 x l05 cells, Diesel 1.499 x l05 cells per milliliter by the total microbial count technique. This means that the petrol metabolic organisms were the most efficient metabolizers in the study. The maximum growth period, which occurred at the end of the log phase, was 5 days for Petrol, Kerosene, Diesel isolates and 6 days for Engine oil isolates. Growth rates determination for the isolates showed that the isolates from Diesel gave the highest growth rate per day followed by Petrol, Engine oil and Kerosene isolates, with their cell mass concentration doubling times per hour in the decendind order of Kerosene, Engine oil, Petrol and Diesel isolates.The organisms are mesophilic. The variation of PH with time of the isolates was very small with optimum PH ranges between 6.2-7.5 for petrol, 7.1-8.4 for Kerosene, 6.0-7.4 for Diesel and 7.1-7.5 for Engine oil isolates. Metabolic products analysis showed that all the isolates converts waste petroleum oils into compounds with the following functional groups; hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxylic groups. The isolates belong to members of the following families; Pseudomonadaceae, Azotobacteraceae, Rhizobium, Methylomonodaceae and Halobacteraceae.

Source: KNUST
Microbial quality of fresh beef sold in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region of Ghana

Beef contributes significantly to the daily protein intake of many Ghanaians but can be a source of foodborne illnesses especially under the conditions in which animals are handled, slaughtered, transported and sold on Ghanaian markets. This study assessed the microbiological quality of beef sold in the Birim North District in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Twenty-four (24) fresh beef samples from eight (8) butchers were aseptically collected and analyzed for microbial load using standard microbiological procedures. The samples were subjected to bacteriological analysis such as total viable count (TVC), total Staphylococcus count (TSC), total Salmonella count (TSC) and total Escherichia coli count (TEC). The mean Total Viable Count in colony forming units per gram (cfu/g) ranged between 2.37x105 and 4.23x105. The mean log10 values of total viable count were 5.37, 5.59, 5.58, 5.48, 5.61, 5.62, 5.55 and 5.58 for New Abirem market (East), New Abirem market (West), Noyem Lorry Station, Noyem market, Pankese, Afosu, Akoase and Nkwateng respectively. There was no significant difference between the mean TVC, TSC and TEC counts of all the meat shops (P<0.05). The beef samples were contaminated with Staphylococcus spp, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in retail beef in the study markets was found to be low (6 %) compared to Staphylococcus spp and Escherichia coli which recorded 47% each. Hygienic practices of the butchers were also assessed using observation and checklist on items and facilities required for good hygienic practices in the processing, handling and transport of raw meat by butchers. There was poor hygienic standard of meat processing such as dressing of carcasses on filthy floors, use of unsterilized knives and slaughtering equipment in the cutting and processing of meat and inappropriate means of transporting carcasses to sale points. Unhygienic practices and poor handling of beef by butchers in the study area were the major causes of contamination of beef. The presence of Salmonella species, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus species organisms are of special concern because these could potentially cause food borne intoxication. Therefore, it is important that appropriate hygienic practices are instituted to reduce the potential risk of foodborne pathogens in the study area.

Source: KNUST
Microbial Quality of Poultry Manure and Selected Vegetables from the Korle-Bu Vegetable Farms

Many vegetable growers in Ghana use animal manure to improve soil quality for vegetable cultivation. Manure use on vegetable farms has been implicated in most intestinal parasitic infection of vegetable consumers worldwide. This study investigated the microbial quality of poultry manure and selected vegetables from the Korle-Bu Vegetable Farms. Thirty-three (33) farmers out of the reported 76 farmers were interviewed employing a face to face interview using a structured questionnaire to ascertain manure use and management practices. All farmers interviewed were males, with majority between the ages of 21 and 40 years (54.54%) with no formal education (69.70 %). Convenient sampling was done from three farms where manure and vegetables samples were collected and tested for microbial quality. Most (85%) cultivated exotic vegetables and employed organic fertilizer (78%), mainly composted (53.85%). Manure was usually applied after transplanting of seedlings (80.71%) around the crops (50%). Laboratory analysis revealed coliforms ranged from 3.5 x 104 to 2.3 x 105cfu/g for manure samples, 1.3 x 103 to 2.0 x 103cfu/g for lettuce, 2.2 x 102 to 2.1 x 103cfu/g for carrots and 1.7 x 102 to 1.5 x 103cfu/g for green pepper. The microbial load on vegetables were within the WHO acceptable limit on the vegetables and such information can be disseminated to policy makers and consumers to encourage consumers to patronize these organic produces. Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. were observed in manure samples while Escherichia coli was observed in one lettuce sample. Farmers need further education on manure handling and use.

Source: KNUST
Microbial Hazard Analysis and Development of Control Measures for Bissap Drink (Sobolo)

In most developing countries street food vending remains a growing industry providing daily foods for most urban dwellers. Sorrel drink (sobolo) made from Hibiscus sabdariffa is now a widely patronized drink sold on the streets of Ghana. Despite its high patronage, microbial contamination from the preparation and packaging raises concerns. This study evaluated the microbial loads in sobolo drink sold in the Kumasi Metropolis using standard microbiological methods and proposing more hygienic production techniques for manufacturers. The sobolo drink was sampled from three widely used packaging materials, thus cups, used bottles and polythene baggies and assessed for total aerobic, enterobacteraceae and yeast counts. Qualitative coliform test was also performed together with pH and total soluble solids test. Observations made at both production and vending sites showed unhygienic conditions and practices such as use of unclean water, unwashed utensils, improper storage conditions and vending on bare floors. Total plate count revealed that all samples collected during late afternoon (between 4:00 and 4:30 PM) exceeded tolerable limits of 106 for aerobic microorganisms in ready to eat foods. However, 75 % of the samples collected early afternoon (between 1:00 and 1:30 PM) was below this limit. Enterobacteraceae counts showed that samples served in cups contained high levels of enterobacteraceae above the acceptable limit irrespective of the time of day. The manufacturing and vending processes observed showed possible microbial contamination due to unhygienic practices. High microbial counts were seen in total plate, enterobacteraceae and yeast. A flow diagram was developed to reduce the microbial contamination to acceptable levels.

Source: KNUST