Summary
The
aim of this study was to develop and apply protocols for the microbiological
depuration of bivalve molluscs (Chamelea gallina and Mitylus
galloprovincialis). The study was divided into the following
phases: preparation of two closed-circuit tanks fitted with mechanical,
chemical and biological filtration systems for the depuration of
bivalve molluscs, mollusc contamination and depuration, analyses
of molluscs and depuration waters (biometric and microbiological
tests) and statistical processing of the experimental data. The
Escherichia coli challenge revealed the high efficacy of
the depuration system and thus the possibility of preparing the
molluscs for sale in a relatively short period of time. Depuration
tests against Salmonella Typhimurium were effective only
after 72 h to 84 h. Results for Vibrio parahaemolyticus revealed
only a small reduction in the bacterial load during the entire observation
period. However, depuration times were shorter in trials with mussels:
V. parahaemolyticus was no longer detected after 36 h to
48 h.
Keywords
Depuration,
Bivalve mollusc, Chamelea gallina, Clam, Escherichia coli,
Food safety, Italy, Mitylus galloprovincialis, Mollusc, Mussel,
Salmonella Typhimurium, Vibrio parahaemolyticus. |