Fresh Vegetables and Irrigation Water Microbial Quality in One Village and Two Periurban Farms in the Centre Region of Cameroon

Abstract

The present study investigated the seasonal variation of microbial quality of irrigation water and vegetables produced at Nkolondom, Ebogo1 and Meyo farms in the Centre region of Cameroon. The physicochemical analysis of irrigation water was also studied. A total of 81 fresh horticultural products were harvested in the three farms and 27 water samples collected. For microbial quality, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliforms, E.coli and Vibrio spp were researched. Parameters such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, turbidity and total dissolved solids were measured at the water sampling sites. Data collected were analyzed using Statgraphics version 7.1 software. Results showed that total aerobic mesophilic bacteria had the highest count (9.78 log cfu/g) followed by total coliforms (7.5 log cfu/g), while faecal coliforms and Vibrio were the least represented. The maximal number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria was counted in parsley during the dry season (9.78 log cfu/g). The microbiological quality of irrigation water and vegetables was unacceptable, exceeding the standards accepted by WHO and International Commission on Microbiology Standards for Foods limits for safe consumption. These results indicate that the microbial hazard of these vegetables is alarmingly high and that consumers should be aware to take correct actions while consuming them.