Borneo Science | The Journal of Science and Technology

BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF SALAD SOLD BY LOCAL FOOD VENDORS WITHIN SELECTED OPEN MARKETS IN ACCRA, GHANA

Frances Nathan-Mensah — 2024-03-16

This study evaluated the bacterial contamination of salads sold in open markets in Accra, Ghana. Salad samples were gathered from 30 vendors in both Madina and Nima markets. The microbiological analysis included standard plate counts (SPC), Enterobacteriaceae counts (EC), and coliform counts (CC). In total, sixty salad samples were quantitatively assessed for aerobic mesophiles, Enterobacteriaceae, and coliforms using culture-based methods, with identification of bacterial isolates. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. It was found that 40% of the samples exceeded acceptable limits for SPC. The mean SPC was significantly higher (p=0.042) in unacceptable samples (3.23x108 cfu/g) compared to acceptable samples (1.09x106 cfu/g), indicating issues with handling. Both EC and CC means were elevated in both categories but did not differ significantly. Isolated organisms included Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus spp. Salads served by hand had higher SPC (3.28x108 cfu/g) and CC (2.67x107 cfu/g) compared to those served with a spoon, while salads in food flasks exhibited higher counts than those in polythene bags for SPC (4.53x108 cfu/g, p=0.021) and CC (1.80x108 cfu/g). Enclosed vending areas showed greater microbial loads across all parameters compared to open sites. Poor hygiene practices in salad vending likely contributed to the significant microbial contamination observed. Implementing targeted interventions and regular testing could enhance the safety of street food.

MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF NOODLES SOLD AT RAMADAN BAZAAR IN KUCHING, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

Sharifah Aminah Syed Mohamad — 2024-03-10

The Ramadan bazaar offers a diverse array of food options for many during the month of Ramadan. However, with the rising incidents of food poisoning, there are ongoing concerns about the microbiological quality of the food. This study investigates the microbial
quality of various noodle types sold at the Ramadan bazaar in Kuching, Sarawak. A total of thirtythree (33) samples were collected from various locations and tested for Aerobic Plate Count (APC), coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Salmonella spp. Among the samples, 88%, 3%, 21%, 6%, and 16% exceeded acceptable limits for APC, coliforms, E. coli, S. aureus, and B.cereus, respectively, while none of the samples tested positive for Salmonella spp. Additionally, local noodle dishes such as Laksa Sarawak, Kolo mee, and mee Jawa showed the highest levels of contamination with E. coli, S. aureus, and B. cereus in this study. The presence of APC, coliforms, E. coli, S. aureus, and B. cereus indicates cross-contaminationresulting from insufficient hygiene practices before and after the cooking process.

AN ASSESSMENT OF TREE BIODIVERSITY AND CARBON STOCKS IN RANGAN HIRAN SOCIAL FORESTRY AREA, GUNUNG MAS, INDONESIA

Siti Maimunah — 2024-03-10

Rangan Hiran Village, located in the upper reaches of the Kahayan River within the Mirimanasa Subdistrict, encompasses an officially designated area of 875 hectares assigned by the state. The necessity of conserving the forest in this region arises from the significant effects of community initiatives on the Kahayan watershed. Instiper Yogyakarta, a forestry educational institution, has launched a program to educate the community about the inherent value of ecosystem services, potential alternative sources of income, and the benefits they offer. The research methodology employed utilizes the Forest Inventory and Analysis Plus (FIA+) method, which was developed by USAID LESTARI in 2018 and is overseen by Michigan State University, USA. An analysis of 10 plots with a sampling intensity of 0.221% indicates a healthy state of the current forest. The carbon stock contributed by Rangan Hiran Forest amounts to 243,998.57 tons and consists of 40 different tree species. Ecologically, the forest exhibits a Menhenick Index of 2.58, a Margalef Index of 7.11, a Shannon Index of 3.43, a Simpson Index of 0.96, and an evenness value of 0.93. These identified potentials create opportunities for collaborative efforts between Rangan Hiran and Instiper Yogyakarta, concentrating on initiatives for forest conservation and the improvement of community well-being.

AN ASSESSMENT OF TREE BIODIVERSITY AND CARBON STOCKS IN HAROWU SOCIAL FORESTRY AREA, GUNUNG MAS, INDONESIA

Siti Maimunah — 2024-03-11

Harowu Village, located in the upper reaches of the Kahayan River within the Mirimanasa Subdistrict, officially oversees a state-granted area of 1,750 hectares. The conservation of the forest in this region is of utmost importance due to its significant influence on the Kahayan watershed. Instiper Yogyakarta, a forestry educational institution, has initiated programs to educate the local community about the importance of alternative income sources and environmental services. Utilizing the Forest Inventory methodology created by USAID LESTARI in 2018 and coordinated by Michigan State University, the study involved analyzing 10 plots with a sampling intensity of 0.221. The Harowu Forest is identified as a major carbon sink, sequestering 626.957,75 tons of carbon in the area. The forest is home to 25 tree species and features a Menhenick Index of 1.57, Margalef Index of 4.34, Shannon Index of 2.98, Simpson index of 0.974, and an evenness value of 0.93. These findings highlight potential opportunities for collaboration between Harowu and Instiper Yogyakarta to promote forest conservation and improve community welfare.

THE SYNTHESIS OF HYDROGEL FROM SELECTIVE NATURAL RESOURCE IN MALAYSIA: A REVIEW

Shahira Sherliyani Kamal — 2024-03-16

Hydrogels are hydrophilic polymer materials characterized by three-dimensional (3D) network structures that can absorb and retain significant amounts of water within their interstitial spaces. Due to their potential applications in advanced technologies across various sectors, including biomedical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, bioseparation, biosensor, livestock, oil recovery, and cosmetics industries, hydrogels—often referred to as smart or hungry networks—are the subject of extensive scientific research. Recently, researchers have focused on creating hydrogels from natural resources to promote environmentally sustainable technologies. This review provides a concise overview of the use of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) cellulose, C. asiatica asiaticoside, and cross-linked honey, sourced from Malaysia, in the development of hydrogels.