Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Traditional Rastrineobola argentea Sundrying Process Practiced along the Shores of Lake Victoria, Kenya

Abstract

Quality of fish depends on its texture, odour and hinges on duration of harvesting and processing. Traditional sun-drying free-to air of Rastrineobola argentia who’s effectiveness and efficiency to reduce moisture content that cut-off microbial ability to grow in this fish is unknown. Thus evaluation of effectiveness and quality of R. argetea processed by sun-drying along the shores of Lake Victoria, Kenya was done. Random and purposive study designs were adapted while convinient sampling upheld for beaches and markets. A total of 130 samples each comprising of 500g tin(s) of approximately 100 - l50g of R. argentea were purchased as wet (0h), semi-dry (3h) or dry(8-10h). Conventional microbiological methods were used to determine presence of E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Clostridium, Staphylococcus, mould and yeast and their antimicrobial profile. ANOVA was used to determine statistical significance. Mean Aerobic Plate Count of sun-dried R. argentiae in markets was statistically higher (p=0.003) while that of beaches varied with sampling time (wet, p=0.02); (dry, p=0.02); (semi-dry, p=0.03). Recovered microbes were, E. coli 44.7% (8-10h); 71.4% Proteus spp (3 h); 50% Salmonella spp (3h). 100% of E.coli, were resistant to ampiclox, 66% to tetracycline, 5% to cefuroxime, 2.4% to nalidixic acid. Salmonella spp were resistant to 20% tetracycline, ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole, 50% to chloramphenicol, 10% to streptomycin. Citrobactor was resistant to 14.3% nalidixic acid and sulfamethoxazole, 71.4% to ampicillin and chloramphenicol. Antimicrobial resistance was different for beaches and markets. R. aregentea from the beaches and markets were contaminated with microbes and sun-drying did not reduce their population.