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. 2016 Jun 6:24:118.
doi: 10.11604/pamj.2016.24.118.8406. eCollection 2016.

Quality evaluation of processed clay soil samples

Matilda Steiner-Asiedu  1 , Obed Akwaa Harrison  1 , Frederick Vuvor  1 , Kwaku Tano-Debrah  1
Affiliations

Quality evaluation of processed clay soil samples

Matilda Steiner-Asiedu et al. Pan Afr Med J. .

Abstract

Introduction: This study assessed the microbial quality of clay samples sold on two of the major Ghanaian markets.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional assessing the evaluation of processed clay and effects it has on the nutrition of the consumers in the political capital town of Ghana. The items for the examination was processed clay soil samples.

Results: Staphylococcus spp and fecal coliforms including Klebsiella, Escherichia, and Shigella and Enterobacterspp were isolated from the clay samples. Samples from the Kaneshie market in Accra recorded the highest total viable counts 6.5 Log cfu/g and Staphylococcal count 5.8 Log cfu/g. For fecal coliforms, Madina market samples had the highest count 6.5 Log cfu/g and also recorded the highest levels of yeast and mould. For Koforidua, total viable count was highest in the samples from the Zongo market 6.3 Log cfu/g. Central market samples had the highest count of fecal coliforms 4.6 Log cfu/g and yeasts and moulds 6.5 Log cfu/g. "Small" market recorded the highest staphylococcal count 6.2 Log cfu/g. The water activity of the clay samples were low, and ranged between 0.65±0.01 and 0.66±0.00 for samples collected from Koforidua and Accra respectively.

Conclusion: The clay samples were found to contain Klebsiella spp. Escherichia, Enterobacter, Shigella spp. staphylococcus spp., yeast and mould. These have health implications when consumed.

Keywords: Pica; ayilo; clay; geophagia; microbiology.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Moisture content of clay sample
Figure 2
Figure 2
Water activity of the clay samples
Figure 3
Figure 3
Water holding capacity of clay samples
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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