Philippine E-Journals

Microbiological Analysis of Water Used to Prepare “Palamig” Juices Sold along Higher Education Institutions in a City of Region 2, Philippines

Krystal Gayle P. Juan | Euvie Jean Mequin | Marisa S. Tan | Belinda A Ramos

 

Abstract:

In the Philippines, it is common to find ambulant vendors selling foods and drinks along streets of higher education institutions offering tasty and affordable snacks to students and people with limited budget for food and drinks. This study aimed to find out the quality of water these ambulant vendors use in preparation of the powdered juice popularly called “palamig” that they sell to the public. The study made use of the quasi-experimental approach via microbiological analysis of the water from the source where the vendors get them and from the water from the vendor from their storage area. The microbiological analysis used the Multiple Tube Fermentation Test (MTFT), the Total Fecal Coliform Test (TFCT) and the Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC). The researchers compared the results of the microbiological analysis of the water to the reference value of the three (3) standard tests by the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water of 2017. Results showed that the water from the 8 sources (water source and vendor supply) showed high levels of microbes which means that the water samples did not meet quality standards for drinking water, thus indirectly not fit for consumption. It is thus recommended that regular and random test be done to ensure that water use for food and drinks preparation is safe. It is also suggested that water analysis in terms of chemical and radiological properties be done to ensure the overall safety of water being supplied to the public.