Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The freshwater fishes, Puntius amarus and Tilapia nituka sold along the highway
of Nangka, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, were studied for the presence of fecal coliform
bacteria. Two samplings were taken in two different sites. Samples were blended and
pipetted into Lactose Broth tubes for presumptive fecal coliform test. Fecal coliform was
identified in the laboratory after using the Lactose Broth Fermentation method. All tubes
were positive and were transferred to BGLB (Brilliant Green Lactose Bile) Broth for
further coliform confirmation. And from BGLB Broth tubes, positive tubes were streaked
onto the L-EMB tubes for E. Coli determination and after incubation, dark-centered and
pink colonies with and without green metallic sheen were seen. The results have shown
the presence of fecal coliform bacteria in both samples. MPN estimates of fecal coliform
in the fish reached more than 1,100 MPN -100g which is higher than the recommended safety
levels of 230/100g by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and FDA (Food and Drug
Association) and prescribed limits of <500 MPN-100g by the BFAD (Bureau of Food and
Drugs). The presence of fecal coliform in both samples tends to suggest that the fishes
are contaminated with fecal materials which may be from the vendors during its handling
process.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Fecal coliform were present in two fish samples identified to be the Puntius
amarus (local name: pait) and tilapia nituka (local name: tilapia) (Table 1). All test
culture media showed positive growth of the bacteria in the fishes. The results showed
that the presence of fecal coliform bacteria with MPNs -100g (Most Probable Number) were
more than 1,100 MPN-100g (Table 2). The results tend to suggest that the fishes sold in
Nangka, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte are contaminated with fecal materials during its
Table 1. Results of the fecal coliform test on the fishes from Nangka, Balo-i, Lanao del
Norte.
E. Coli was also confirmed to be present in the fishes. It was positively identified
because of the growth on the selective medium, L-EMB Agar (Table 3). Further
identification tests were done through the characterization of the typical colonies.
1 2 3
All tests showed positive results which imply that the fishes from Nangka, Balo-i,
Lanao del Norte are contaminated with fecal coliform. Improper handling and storage by
the fish vendors may be the possible reasons why the fishes were positive with fecal
Fecal coliform populations in the fishes were high reaching more than 1,100
MPN-100g which were beyond the than the recommended safety levels of 230 /100g by the EPA
(Environmental Protection Agency) and FDA (Food and Drug Association) and prescribed
Norte were contaminated by the fecal coliform bacteria. Further results also showed
contamination with E.Coli which may imply that the fishes sold are not safe for human
consumption. The presence of these bacteria would also tend to show fecal contamination
of fishes sold in other nearby areas which local authorities should be aware for proper
used and better way for fish storage and handling processes may be applied.
be further conducted on other types of fishes and from other different site within the area.