BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

The need for an alternative to inorganic fertilizer is on the increase owing to the drawbacks associated with inorganic fertilizers. This study was therefore carried out to evaluate the bacteriological profile of digestates from different waste streams and the ability of the isolates to promote the growth of plants. Standard bacteriological methods were used to analyze digestates from different waste streams. Total heterotrophic bacterial count was obtained using pour plate method. The cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics of the bacterial isolates were evaluated using standard differential media along with appropriate reagents. Plant growth promoting capacity of the isolates were evaluated using standard protocols for nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, indole acetic acid and ammonia production. The results obtained from this study revealed that the total heterotrophic bacterial count (Log10 cfu/g) of digestate from different waste streams had values, which ranged from 4.91±0.02 for cattle rumen digestate to 4.41±0.03 for a combination of cattle rumen fruit and food waste digestate. The cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics of bacterial isolates revealed the presence of Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Proteus mirabilis and Bacillus cereus. The distribution of bacterial isolates in the different waste streams revealed that E. coli was present in all digestates obtained from different waste streams. All bacterial isolates were found to possess plant growth promoting properties with 100 % capacity for nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization. While 66.7 % of the isolates had the ability to produce ammonia and indole acetic acid. The phosphate solubilization index of the isolates revealed that E. coli (5.97) and P. aeruginosa (5.76) had the highest solarization index amongst all tested bacteria in the study

This study evaluated the bacteriological quality of sachet water sold on the University of Benin, Ugbowo campus. Five brands: Uniben Table Water, Faith Mark, Olivia, Uzama, and Notre Dame were sampled in the afternoon (2:00 pm) on campus. The samples were transported to the laboratory for bacterial isolation and identification using standard bacteriological techniques. Phenotypic virulence properties of the isolates were assessed, and antimicrobial sensitivity was determined using the biodisc diffusion method. Uniben Table Water had a bacterial count of 3.2±0.72 x10 4 cfu/mL, Faith Mark 2.0±0.91 x10 4 cfu/mL, Olivia 1.9±0.67 x10 4 cfu/mL, Uzama 3.3±1.51 x10^4 cfu/mL, and Notre Dame 1.1±0.96 x10 4 cfu/mL. The identified bacterial isolates
included Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus letus, and Escherichia coli. Pathogenicity tests indicated that all isolates were pathogenic, testing positive for gelatin liquefaction, DNase, spirit blue, and haemolysin assays. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus letus, and Escherichia coli were sensitive to gentamycin and ciprofloxacin but resistant to pefloxacin, ampiciox, zinnacef, amoxicillin, rocephin, and septrin. The bacterial counts exceeded the limits recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) (1.0 × 10 2 cfu/mL). These findings indicate that periodic bacteriological assessment of sachet water quality is necessary, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) should ensure quality assurance and adherence to internationally defined drinking water standards.

Honey, a natural sweetener and viscous substance produced by honeybees, has been used in human nutrition and traditional medicine for centuries. However, honey can become c health risks to consumers. This study aimed to assess the bacteriological quality of honey sold in two markets in Benin City, Edo State. Honey samples were collected from both markets using sterile containers and transported under controlled conditions to the laboratory. The microbial quality was analyzed by culturing
the samples on nutrient agar and MacConkey agar, followed by bacterial isolation, identification, and biochemical characterization (e.g., Gram staining, catalase, oxidase, indole, citrate, and other biochemical tests). Results showed heterotrophic bacterial counts ranging from 4.0×10⁴ to 5.0×10³ cfu/ml and coliform counts from 1.0×10³ to 4.0×10³ cfu/ml. The highest bacterial contamination was found in Oba Market, while Uselu had the highest coliform count. Clostridium sp. was the most frequently occurring bacterium (25%).The presence of potentially harmful bacteria suggests contamination during production, handling, or storage, raising concerns about honey safety. The study highlights the need for improved hygiene practices and stricter quality control measures to ensure consumer safety