EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY ON THE BACTERIAL LOAD OF STORED CD PLATES

A compact disc, sometimes referred to as a CD, is an optical digital medium that can hold various types of data, including documents, audio, photos, and video. Understanding the bacterial load in stored CD plates is crucial to ensuring the longevity and integrity of CDs. This study determined the impact of temperature and relative humidity on bacteria load of stored CD plates at different locations (laboratory, lecture theatre and office). Thirty-six (36) CD plates were purchased and positioned at these different locations (as opened, closed with perforations and burnt with short video clips and opened). Temperature and relative humidity were monitored with thermometer and hygrometer, while bacterial count and identification were based on standard procedures for four weeks. Results obtained showed a fluctuation in temperature every week, but generally within the range of room temperature (30°C - 37°C) conversely, relative humidity increased weekly in the studied locations. Bacteria counts of all CD plates studied increased with increase in humidity with time. Bacteria isolated from studied CD plates were Bacillus mycoides, Pseudomonads aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus pumilus, Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescans. Conclusively, relative humidity had a positive correlation with bacteria load of the studies CD plate, while temperature had little effect on bacterial counts.