ABSTRACT

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

handling which may be the source of these bacteria.

Table 1. Results of the fecal coliform test on the fishes from Nangka, Balo-i, Lanao del

Norte.

SAMPLING LACTOSE BROTH BRILLIANT L-EMB MEDIUM

GREEN LACTOSE
BILE BROTH
“pait” + + +
“tilapia” + + +

Puntius amarus (pait) Tilapia nitukaTable

(tilapia)
2. Estimates on the number of fecal
coliform bacteria per 100 grams of fish muscle collected from the two different
areas of Nangka, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.
SAMPLING TEST DILUTION MPN*
 10-1 10-2 10-3 Index

1 Presumptive Test 3 3 3 >1,100

2 Presumptive Test 3 3 3 >1,100
*MPN - Most Probable Number

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.

SAMPLING DILUTION TRIAL

1 2 3

1 10-1 Dark pink

colonies
Pink colonies
Metallic sheen
10-2 Metallic sheen
Metallic sheen
Metallic sheen
10-3 Pink colonies
Metallic sheen
Pink colonies
2 10-1 Metallic sheen
Pink colonies
Dark pink
colonies
10-2 Metallic sheen
Metallic sheen
Metallic sheen
10-3 Metallic sheen
Metallic sheen

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

coliform and E.Coli.

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

limits of <500 MPN-100g by the BFAD (Bureau of Food and Drugs).

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

 The results of the study showed that the fishes sold in Nangka, Balo-i, Lanao del

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

sanitation. To minimize the presence of these bacteria, depuration procedures may be

used and better way for fish storage and handling processes may be applied.

Further studies are recommended to determine the possible sources of fecal

contamination for purposes of controlling the contamination. Experimentations may also

be further conducted on other types of fishes and from other different site within the area.