Location

Poster Session 1 (Nessmith-Lane Ballroom)

Session Format

Poster Presentation

Abstract

Goals and Objectives: Microbial contamination in shopping cart handles were previously reported but how the microbial load in shopping cart handles vary in different seasons and its relationship with ambient temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), surface moisture, and ultraviolet radiations (UV) are largely understudied. This study aims at exploring microbial loads on shopping cart handles in three grocery stores during fall and winter and its relationship with real-time T, RH, moisture, and UV levels.

Theoretical Framework: Most of us do not realize that microbes are often present on many common stuffs outdoors. When we touch shopping cart handles by bare hands in grocery stores, which are touched by other customers from different hygienic conditions then we might be compromised to microbial infections. Previous studies reported that 80% of infections are spread through hand contact with hands or other objects.

Methodology/Data: To assess microbial load on carts handles, ATP levels were monitored (n = 60). ATP released from microorganisms produces light in the presence of luminescence enzymes and the intensity of this light was measured with a luminometer and quantified as Relative Light Units (RLUs)/cm2 . T and RH were measured by a portable thermohygrometer pen. Moisture levels on cart handle surfaces were measured by an imaging moisture meter. UV levels were monitored by a UV-AB light monitor. Collected data showed that overall microbial loads in fall (mean ± SD: 4.52 ± 4.83 RLU/cm2 ) were significantly higher than winter (2.01 ± 3.06 RLU/cm2 ) as determined by paired t tests (p<0.05).

Educational/Field Significance: This interdisciplinary study provided experiences of sampling of surface microbial contaminants and other environmental factors to the participating student.

Proposed Significance/Outcome: Our study indicated that microbial burdens on shopping cart handles significantly change in different seasons and people are more exposed to surface microorganisms in fall compared to winter.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Presentation Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

Start Date

4-18-2019 10:30 AM

End Date

4-18-2019 12:00 PM

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Apr 18th, 10:30 AM Apr 18th, 12:00 PM

Overall Microbial Activity on Shopping Carts Handles: Relationship with Ambient Temperature, Relative Humidity, Moisture, and Ultraviolet Radiations

Poster Session 1 (Nessmith-Lane Ballroom)

Goals and Objectives: Microbial contamination in shopping cart handles were previously reported but how the microbial load in shopping cart handles vary in different seasons and its relationship with ambient temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), surface moisture, and ultraviolet radiations (UV) are largely understudied. This study aims at exploring microbial loads on shopping cart handles in three grocery stores during fall and winter and its relationship with real-time T, RH, moisture, and UV levels.

Theoretical Framework: Most of us do not realize that microbes are often present on many common stuffs outdoors. When we touch shopping cart handles by bare hands in grocery stores, which are touched by other customers from different hygienic conditions then we might be compromised to microbial infections. Previous studies reported that 80% of infections are spread through hand contact with hands or other objects.

Methodology/Data: To assess microbial load on carts handles, ATP levels were monitored (n = 60). ATP released from microorganisms produces light in the presence of luminescence enzymes and the intensity of this light was measured with a luminometer and quantified as Relative Light Units (RLUs)/cm2 . T and RH were measured by a portable thermohygrometer pen. Moisture levels on cart handle surfaces were measured by an imaging moisture meter. UV levels were monitored by a UV-AB light monitor. Collected data showed that overall microbial loads in fall (mean ± SD: 4.52 ± 4.83 RLU/cm2 ) were significantly higher than winter (2.01 ± 3.06 RLU/cm2 ) as determined by paired t tests (p<0.05).

Educational/Field Significance: This interdisciplinary study provided experiences of sampling of surface microbial contaminants and other environmental factors to the participating student.

Proposed Significance/Outcome: Our study indicated that microbial burdens on shopping cart handles significantly change in different seasons and people are more exposed to surface microorganisms in fall compared to winter.