Abstract

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF FRESH COCONUT WATER BEING SOLD IN PLASTIC BAGS BY VENDORS IN THE GEORGETOWN LOCATION AND THE MICROBIAL STATUS OF THE COCONUT EPICARP

Jagessar R. C.* and Douglas L. G.

ABSTRACT

The antimicrobial activity of fresh coconut H2O, transferred in plastic bags sold by vendors in the Bourda Market, Kitty Market and Stabroek Market was investigated by the Disc Diffusion Assay. Negligible ZOA and AZOI were obtained indicating that the coconut H2O had neglible antimicrobial activity. The microbial status of the coconut skin and coconut water (containing the endosperm (jelly) transferred into plastic bags being sold by vendors at the three markets were also investigated. For the total microbial load present on the epicarp of coconuts, purchased from the three markets, it was found that Bourda Market revealed the highest microbial load with a viable CFU count of 2.86 x109. The least CFU/ml of 8.25 x 108 was obtained for Kitty. Standard biochemical test for identification of unknown pathogens in Bourda, Kitty and Stabroek Market revealed five, three and three different bacteria for Bourda, Kitty and Stabroek Market. The total microbial load found in fresh coconut H2O purchased from the three markets revealed that Bourda Market had the largest viable CFU/ml of 1.81 x 1010 and Kitty Market, the latest of 8.613 x 108. Results of Standard Biochemical Test for identification of unknown Microorganism found in the coconut water purchased from Bourda, Kitty and Stabroek Market revealed that five, three and three different types of pathogens were present for Bourda, Kitty and Stabroek Market.

Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, Disc Diffusion Assay, Bourda Market, Kitty Market and Stabroek Market, Colony Forming Unit, CFU.