Thesis (MSc Food Sc )--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa is a developing country that relies heavily on its agricultural sector for economical welfare especially in the Western Cape Province. However, development gives rise to new technologies, new products, economical stability and unfortunately also to the production of larger volumes of liquid and solid waste. Anaerobic composting is becoming a very attractive treatment option for solid waste disposal because of its unique operational advantages and two valueadded by-products, compost and biogas. Over the last decade progress has been made in anaerobic digestion of solid wastes, but no literature could be found on the anaerobic composting of apple and peach pomace. The main objective of this study was to develop a method to anaerobically compost apple and peach pomace. In the first phase important operational parameters were identified and a method was developed to optimise the parameters. In the second phase of the study, the scaling-up and optimisation of the process were the major objectives. During the first phase of this research 2 L modified glass containers were used as composting units. The most important operational parameters (leachate pH, inoculum source and size, and initial moisture levels) were identified. Anaerobic compost from previous tests, brewery granules and anaerobic sludge were also used as inocula and evaluated for the best source of microbes. After optimising all the identified parameters, good results were obtained, which included higher biogas production, good volume reductions, less bad aromas and a compost product with a neutral pH. After developing the 2 L laboratory-scale method to compost the apple pomace anaerobically, the next step was to ascertain if the method would work if larger volumes of solid fruit waste were composted. A special 20 L composting unit made of PVC was designed to suit the operational requirements of the anaerobic composting process. It was also decided to mix apple pomace and peach pulp together and to use this solid waste source as part of the composting substrate. Different inocula, including cattle manure, anaerobic sludge, brewery granules and anaerobic compost produced in the previous tests, were used. Although good results were obtained with the anaerobic compost and cattle manure as inoculum, the aim was also to decrease the composting period by shortening the pH stabilisation period. To achieve this, it was decided to add NaHC03 to the substrate to be composted to facilitate a faster pH stabilisation. The composting period was subsequently shortened to 25 days with satisfactory results, which included a volume reduction, biogas production and faster pH stabilisation. An upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) bioreactor was also used to assist the composting process by facilitating the removal of the VFA's present in the composting leachate. This proved to be a valuable addition to the composting process as the UASB bioreactor also provided the composting units with a 'moisturising liquid', which was 'enriched' with a consortium of active anaerobic bacteria when the effluent from the bioreactor was re-added to the composting units. With all the operational parameters in place, good results were obtained and these included a volume reduction of 60% (m/m), a good biogas production, a composting period of only 25 days, a compost that was free of bad aromas, a final compost pH of > 6.5, final leachate COD values of less than 3 000 rnq.l", and a final leachate VFA's concentration of between 0 and 250 rnq.l". If in future research further scaling-up is to be considered, it is recommended that the composting unit be coupled directly to the UASB bioreactor, thus making the process continuous and more practical to operate. If the operational period of the anaerobic composting set-up could be further shortened and the inoculum adapted so that the process could be used for the treatment of other difficult types of solid wastes, it would probably be advantageous for the fruit processing industry to use this method as an environmental control technology. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suid-Afrika is 'n ontwikkelende land wat baie afhanklik is van die sukses van die landbousektor vir ekonomiese welstand, veral in die Wes Kaap Provinsie. Ontwikkeling gaan gepaard met nuwe tegnologie, nuwe produkte, ekonomiese stabiliteit en daarmee saam gaan die produksie van groter volumes vlooiebare en soliede afvalprodukte. Anaërobiese kompostering is tans besig om opgang te maak as en doeltreffende behandelingstegnologie vir vaste afvalstowwe. Tydens die laaste dekade is baie vooruitgang gemaak in die veld van anaërobiese vertering asook kompostering van afvalmateriaal met en hoë vaste stof inhoud. Anaërobiese kompostering van appel- en perskepulp, afkomstig van die versappingsindustrie, het tot dusver min aandag geniet. Die hoofdoel van hierdie navorsing was om 'n anaërobiese komposterings metode te ontwikkel vir die beheer van vrugte afval om sodoende die basis neer te lê vir en nuwe tegnologie wat baie voordele (biogas en kompos) inhou. In die eerste fase is die belangrikste operationele parameters geïdentifiseer om sodoende beter beheer oor die anaërobiese proses uit te oefen. In die tweede fase is die anaërobiese proses wat gedurende die eerste fase ontwikkel is, opgeskaal om optimum resultate te verkry. Gedurende die eerste fase van hierdie verhandeling was 2 L gemodifiseerde glas houers gebruik as komposteringseenhede. Die belangrikste operasionele parameters (pH beheer, inokulasie grootte, vloeistofvlakke en hoeveelheid vog asook vlugtige vetsuur produksie en verwydering) vir die beheer van die anaërobiese komposteringsproses was geïdentifiseer en gebruik as uitgangspunt om 'n anaërobiese komposteringsmetode te ontwikkel. Anaërobiese slyk, brouery granules en anaërobiese kompos van vorige eksperimente was as inokula gebruik. Gedurende hierdie studies was goeie resultate verkry en het 'n hoë biogas produksie, goeie volume reduksies, vermindering van slegte aromas en kompos met 'n neutrale pH ingesluit. . Nadat hierdie goeie resultate met die 2 L laboratorium-skaal metode verkry was, was groter volumes vaste vrugte afval gebruik om te bepaal of dieselfde metode toegepas kan word op en groter skaal. Spesiale 20 L komposteringseenhede was ontwerp om aan die operasionele vereistes van 'n anaërobiese proses te voldoen. Dit was ook besluit om appel pulp met perske pulp te meng en te gebruik as deel van die komposteringssubstraat. Verskeie inokula was weereens gebruik en het die volgende ingesluit: vars beesmis, anaërobiese slyk, brouery granules en anaërobiese kompos van vorige eksperimente. Hoewel baie goeie resultate met vars beesmis en anaërobiese kompos as inokula verkry was, was 'n volgende doel gewees om die kompoterings tydperk te verkort deur die pH vinniger te stabiliseer. Daar was besluit om NaHC03 by die komposteringssubstraat te voeg en so 'n vinniger pH stabilisasie te fasiliteer. 'n UASB ('upflow anaerobic sludge blanket') bioreaktor was ook gebruik om die komposteringsproses aan te help deur die vlugtige vetsure wat in die kompostloog teenwoordig was, te verwyder. Die insluiting van die bioreaktor in die anaërobiese komposteringsproses het bygedra tot die sukses van die proses deurdat die uitvloeisel as 'n vogmiddel vir die komposteringseenhede gebruik was en 'n konsortium van aktiewe anaërobiese bakterieë bevat het. Nadat al die operationele parameters in plek was, was goeie resultate bereik en het die volgende ingesluit: 'n volume reduksie van 60% (m/m), goeie biogas produksie, 'n komposteringstyd van 25 dae, 'n kompos wat vry was van slegste aromas, 'n finale kompos pH van >6.5, finale loog CSB van <3 000 rnq.l' en 'n finale vetsuur konsentrasie van tussen 0 en 250 mq.l'. lndien verdere navorsing onderneem word, word dit aanbeveel dat die UASB bioreaktor direk aan die komposteringseenheid gekoppel word om sodoende die proses meer aaneenlopend en die proses prakties makliker uitvoerbaar te maak. Indien die operationele tydperk nog korter gemaak kan word en die inokulum aanpasbaar kan wees om moeilik verteerbare afvalprodukte te akkomodeer, sal hierdie tegnologie baie voordelig wees as 'n metode om omgewingsbesoedeling te beheer

Thesis (MSc Food Sc )--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Kepi is a refreshing, fermented dairy beverage that differs from other fermented milk products in that it is produced with a mixed microbial community which is confined to discrete grains. These grains can be recovered as a solid matrix at the end of the fermentation and then be reutilised as a starter to ferment the next batch of milk. The grain microbial community consists of a symbiotic association of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria, but the overall composition of the grains has not been completely elucidated. The microbes in the grains are embedded in a protein-polysaccharide Kefiran matrix, which appears essential for grain formation. The mechanism of grain formation is still not fully understood and it thus remains undecided which organism is really responsible for the production of this proteinpolysaccharide matrix. The aim of this study was to isolate, characterise and identify the microbes present in Kefiran from mass cultured South African grains and then to evaluate grain formation with these purified cultures isolated from Kefiran strings using a mass cultivation process. Sixteen strains of lactic acid bacteria and one yeast strain were isolated from Kefiran strings produced during the mass cultivation of South African Kepi grains. API technology, numerical clustering and DNA sequence comparisons were used to identify the purified isolates. The isolates were grouped into seven clusters by numerical clustering and clustering distance from selected reference and marker strains. The heterofermentative lactobacilli were identified as Lactobacillus parakefiri and Lb. kefiri and the homofermentative strains as Lb. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, Lb. gallina rum, Lb. acidophilus and Lb. bavaricus. One isolate was found to be a member of the genus Lactobacillus, but was not positively identified to species level. Cultures isolated from Kefiran were evaluated for ability to grain formation by adding 1 x 109 cfu.ml:' bacteria and 1 x 108 cfu.ml' yeast to double pasteurised, full cream milk during the mass cultivation process. It was found that the control and all the cultures in double pasteurised milk showed grain accumulation indicating that other microbes were present in pasteurised and double pasteurised milk which had an influence on the grain forming ability. The cultures isolated from pasteurised and double pasteurised milk included members of the species Pediococcus, Acinetobacter, Lactococcus laetis ssp. lactis, Candida lipolytica, C. guilliermondii, Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, Pseudomonas putida and four isolates of the Bacillus cereus group. It was found that these rod-shaped "milk isolates" resulted in grain accumulation when inoculated into UHT milk and it was concluded that the "milk isolates" did contribute to grain formation. These isolates were then combined with the Kefiran cultures and this resulted in grains very similar to the traditional Kepi grains. These grains were made from Lb. gallinarum in double pasteurised milk as well with a combination of Lb. gallinarum, Lb. acidophilus, Lb. kefiri, Lb. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, Candida lambica and Pseudomonas putida in URT milk. The grains were firm, elastic and did not dissolve in water but kept their structure and were retained when sieved. An acceptable Kepi beverage was produced from these grains. From these typically traditional grain characteristics it was concluded that, even though the microbial compositions were probably not the same, the general appearance was similar to traditional grains and that it is thus possible to produce grains from pure single strain Kefiran cultures and "milk isolates". Furthermore, it was possible to produce a Kepilike beverage from these grains, which included similar characteristics as the traditional Kepi beverage. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Kepi is "n verfrissende, gefermenteerde suiweldrankie wat van ander gefermenteerde produkte verskil in die opsig dat dit vervaardig word deur Kepi korrels in melk te inkubeer. Die Kepi korrels kan aan die einde van die fermentasie herwin word en weer gebruik word om die volgende lot melk te fermenteer. Die korrels bestaan uit "n simbiotiese samestelling van giste en melksuurbakterieë, maar die presiese samestelling van die korrels is steeds onbekend. Die mikro-organismes is vasgevang in "n proteïen-polisakkaried Kefiran matriks en die Kefiran word as essensieel beskou vir korrelvorming. Die meganisme van korrelvorming bly steeds onbekend en daar is nog nie tot "n gevolgtrekking gekom oor watter organisme die Kefiran produseerder is nie. Die doel van die studie was om die mikro-organismes in Kefiran te isoleer en te identifiseer deur Suid-Afrikaanse Kepi korrels te massa kweek. Hierdie mikroorganismes was dan verder geëvalueer ten opsigte van korrel vorming. Sestien melksuurbakterieë isolate en een gis isolaat is geïsoleer vanuit die Kefiran. API tegnologie, numeriese groepering en DNA volgorde vergelykings was gebruik om die isolate te identifiseer. Die isolate is in sewe groepe verdeel volgens numeriese groepering. Die afstand van verwysings en merker organismes is ook in ag geneem. Die heterofermentatiewe organismes is geïdentifiseer as Lactobacillus parakefiri en Lb. kefiri en die heterofermentatiewe organismes as Lb. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, Lb. gallina rum, Lb. acidophilus en Lb. bavaricus. Een isolaat kon nie geïdentifiseer word tot op spesie vlak nie, maar is verwant aan die genus Lactobacillus. Hierdie geïsoleerde Kefiran kulture is geëvalueer ten op sigte van korrelvorming, deur 1 x 109 kve.ml' van die bakterieë en 1 x 108 kve.ml' van die gis by dubbel gepasteuriseerde volroom melk te voeg tydens die massakwekings proses. Die kontrole wat geen bygevoegde kulture bevat nie, sowel as die wat wel bygevoegde kulture bevat, het korrel vorming getoon. Laasgenoemde toon dat daar organismes teenwoordig is in gepasteuriseerde en dubbel gepasteuriseerde melk wat "n rol kan speel tydens korrelvorming. Die kulture wat geïsoleer is vanuit gepasteuriseerde en dubbel gepasteuriseerde melk, sluit in: Pediococcus, Acinetobacter, Lactococcus laetis ssp. lactis, Candida lipolytica, C. guilliennondii, Chryseobacterium menigosepticum, Pseudomonas putida en vier isolate van die Bacillus cereus groep. Hierdie organismes wat uit melk geïsoleer is, het korrelvorming getoon in UHT melk en die gevolgtrekking kan gemaak word dat die "melk organismes" wel "n rol speel tydens korrel vorming. Hierdie "melk isolate" in kombinasie met die Kefiran kulture het korrels tot gevolg gehad wat baie dieselfde was as tradisionele Kepi korrels. Laasgenoemde korrels is gemaak deur Lb. gallina rum in dubbel gepasteuriseerde melk, sowel as deur "n kombinasie van Lb. gallina rum, Lb. acidophilus, Lb. kefiri, Lb. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, Candida lambica en Pseudomonas putida in UHT melk. Die korrels was stewig, elasties, het nie opgelos in water nie en het hulle struktuur behou wanneer gesif. Wanneer hierdie tipiese tradisionele korrels se eienskappe in ag geneem word, kan die gevolgtrekking gemaak word dat alhoewel die mikrobiese samestelling van die korrels nie dieselfde is as die tradisionele korrel nie, is die algemene voorkoms en eienskappe dieselfde en dat dit wel moontlik is om korrels te produseer deur isolate geïsoleer vanuit Kefiran en melk. Verder was dit moontlik om "n drankie te vervaardig met die korrels wat baie dieselfde is as tradisionele Kepi.

Thesis (MSc Food Sc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The genus Cronobacter (Enterobacter sakazakii) contains opportunistic pathogens that can cause a severe form of neonatal meningitis, necrotising enterocolitis and septicaemia. Cronobacter infections have been reported in all age groups, however, immunocompromised infants are more susceptible to these infections. Furthermore, Cronobacter strains have been reported to show differences in sensitivity to antibiotics and virulence. These differences led to the reclassification of Cronobacter and currently the genus contains five distinct species, namely Cronobacter sakazakii, Cronobacter malonaticus, Cronobacter turicensis, Cronobacter dublinensis and Cronobacter muytjensii. As this reclassification was only accepted recently, there are not many typing methods optimised for differentiation between the five Cronobacter species. Typing of Cronobacter strains are important as the species may be diverse regarding their virulence. Cronobacter strains have been isolated from infant formula milk (IFM), the environment of an IFM processing facility and fresh produce in South Africa. However, little is known about the phylogeny and prevalence of these strains. The aim of this study was to classify 24 South African Cronobacter strains (previously identified as E. sakazakii) and to evaluate the phylogeny of the isolates based on the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and rpoA genes. All 24 South African strains were identified as Cr. sakazakii despite a wide variety of isolation sources. Other studies have also found that irrespective of the isolation source, the majority of Cronobacter strains are identified as Cr. sakazakii. The South African strains were found to be phylogenetically closely related. However, two distinct clusters separated at a 93 % confidence level were observed in the Cr. sakazakii group based on the 16S rRNA gene analysis. Strains of Cr. sakazakii, Cr. dublinensis, Cr. turicensis and Cr. muytjensii were differentiated from each other with sequence data of the 16S rRNA and rpoA genes, but it was not possible to differentiate between Cr. sakazakii and Cr. malonaticus. The phylogram based on the rpoA gene sequences did separate Cr. malonaticus and Cr. sakazakii strains, however, the clusters were separated with a low bootstrap value of 70 %. Phylogenetic analysis based on the rpoA and 16S rRNA genes were, therefore, not sufficient to distinguish between all the Cronobacter species. The sequence data of these two genes can be used to differentiate between the Cronobacter strains when used in combination with malonate utilisation analysis. A PCR-RFLP method was subsequently developed to facilitate the simultaneous differentiation between all five Cronobacter species. The PCR-RFLP assay was based on the amplification of the rpoB gene followed by the combined digestion with restriction endonucleases Csp6I and HinP1I. Unique profiles for each of the five Cronobacter species were obtained and it was also possible to differentiate between Enterobacteriaceae and Cronobacter strains. Furthermore, two strains which were identified as Cr. sakazakii with sequencing based on the 16S rRNA and rpoA genes had PCR-RFLP profiles identical to that of Cr. malonaticus. Sequencing based on the rpoB gene and additional biochemical analysis with malonate broth confirmed the identities of these two strains as Cr. malonaticus. This PCR-RFLP assay is, therefore, an accurate typing method that ensures rapid differentiation between the five species of Cronobacter. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Cronobacter genus (Enterobacter sakazakii) bevat opportunistiese patogene wat 'n ernstige vorm van neonatale meningitis, enterokolitis en septisemie kan veroorsaak. Cronobacter infeksies is al in alle ouderdomsgroepe aangemeld, maar immuungekompromitteerde babas is die meeste vatbaar vir hierdie infeksies. Verder toon Cronobacter spesies verskille in virulensie en sensitiwiteit vir antibiotika. Hierdie verskille het gelei tot die herklassifikasie van Cronobacter en tans bestaan die genus uit vyf afsonderlike spesies, naamlik Cronobacter sakazakii, Cronobacter malonaticus, Cronobacter turicensis, Cronobacter dublinensis en Cronobacter muytjensii. Aangesien hierdie herklassifikasie slegs onlangs aanvaar is, is daar nie baie metodes wat geskik is vir onderskeiding tussen die vyf Cronobacter spesies nie. Onderskeiding tussen Cronobacter spesies is belangrik omdat die spesies verskillend kan wees met betrekking tot hulle virulensie. Cronobacter is geisoleer uit baba formule melk (BFM), die omgewing van 'n BFM fabriek en vars produkte in Suid-Afrika. Daar is egter nie baie bekend oor die filogenie en voorkoms van hierdie isolate nie. Die doel van hierdie studie was om 24 Suid-Afrikaanse Cronobacter stamme (voorheen geïdentifiseer as E. sakazakii) te klassifiseer en die filogenie van die isolate te evalueer gebaseer op die 16S ribosomale RNS (rRNS) en rpoA gene. Al 24 Suid-Afrikaanse stamme is geïdentifiseer as Cr. sakazakii ten spyte van 'n wye verskeidenheid isolasie bronne. Ander studies het ook gevind dat, ongeag die isolasie bron, die meerderheid van Cronobacter stamme as Cr. sakazakii geïdentifiseer word. In hierdie studie is gevind dat die Suid-Afrikaanse stamme filogeneties nou verwant is. Op grond van die 16S rRNA geen analise is die Cr. sakazakii stamme egter in twee afsonderlike groepe gedeel met 'n 93% vertrouens vlak. Dit was moontlik om stamme van Cr. sakazakii, Cr. dublinensis, Cr. turicensis en Cr. muytjensii van mekaar te onderskei met die DNS volgorde data van die 16S rRNA en rpoA gene, maar geen onderskeid tussen Cr. sakazakii en Cr. malonaticus stamme was moontlik nie. Die filogram gebaseer op die rpoA DNS volgorde data het aparte takke vir Cr. malonaticus en Cr. sakazakii stamme getoon, maar die twee takke is met ‘n lae vertrouens waarde van slegs 70 % geskei. Filogenetiese analise gebaseer op die rpoA en 16S rRNA gene is dus nie voldoende om te onderskei tussen al die Cronobacter spesies nie. Die DNS volgorde data van hierdie twee gene sou egter gebruik kon word om te onderskei tussen die Cronobacter spesies wanneer dit gebruik word in kombinasie met malonaatbenutting-analises. 'n Polimerase ketting reaksie (PKR) beperkings fragment lengte polimorfisme (BFLP) metode is ontwikkel om die gelyktydige onderskeiding tussen al vyf Cronobacter spesies te fasiliteer. Die PKR-BFLP metode is gebaseer op die vermeerdering van die rpoB geen gevolg deur die gesamentlike vertering met die beperkingsensieme, Csp6I en HinP1I. Unieke profiele vir elk van die vyf Cronobacter spesies is verkry en dit was ook moontlik om tussen Enterobacteriaceae en Cronobacter spesies te onderskei. Verder het twee stamme wat as Cr. sakazakii geïdentifiseer is met DNS volgordebepaling van die 16S rRNA en rpoA gene, PKR-BFLP profiele identies aan dié van Cr. malonaticus getoon. DNS volgordebepaling van die rpoB geen en ‘n addisionele biochemiese toets met malonaat sop het die identiteit van hierdie twee stamme as Cr. malonaticus bevestig. Hierdie PKR-BFLP is dus 'n akkurate metode wat vinnige onderskeid tussen die vyf spesies van Cronobacter kan verseker.

Thesis (MSc Food Sc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The use of near infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging for distinguishing between pre-germinated and non pre-germinated barley, wheat and sorghum kernels and, the effect of kernel shape on hyperspectral images, have been investigated. Two sample sets were imaged. The first sample set was divided into six subsets; these subsets were treated with water and left to pre-germinate for different times (0, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 hrs). Subset viability was determined with the tetrazolium test. The second sample set was divided into seven subsets, treated with water and left to pre-germinate for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 or 30 hrs. Individual kernel viability was determined with the tetrazolium test. NIR hyperspectral images were acquired using two different SisuCHEMA hyperspectral imaging systems. The first system acquired images with a 150 9m spatial resolution (first sample set) and the second system acquired images with a 30 9m spatial resolution (second sample set). Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed and a distinction between pre-germinated and non pre-germinated kernels was illustrated in PCA score images. Loading line plots showed that the main compounds contributing to spectral variation were starch, water and protein. These compounds were related to starch and protein hydrolysis. The distinction between pre-germinated and non pre-germinated kernels observed in the 30 9m spatial resolution images indicated NIR hyperspectral imaging was perhaps sensing incomplete endosperm degradation. Some kernels determined as pre-germinated by the tetrazolium test had the same chemical composition according to the score image as non pre-germinated kernels in the 30 9m spatial resolution images. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model with two classes (pre- germinated and non pre-germinated) was developed for each of the cultivars of the first sample set. The two classes were assigned in principal component (PC) 1 vs. PC 5 score plots. The model created for the barley cultivars resulted in excessive false positives and false negatives. The prediction results of wheat cultivars revealed that the model had a classification rate of 81% for the non pre-germinated class and 93% for the pre-germinated class. The sorghum prediction results revealed that the model correctly predicted 97% of the non pre-germinated class and 93% of the pre-germinated class. Two different PLS-DA models were developed for one image of each cultivar of the 30 9m spatial resolution images. The first model was developed by assigning each kernel in the score image and the second model was developed by assigning pixels in the score plot to either the pre- germinated or non pre-germinated class. Model 1 resulted in excessive false negatives. Model 2 resulted in excessive false positives. The differences between pre-germinated and non pre-germinated kernels were only observed in higher (PC 5 and 6) order PCs of the 150 9m spatial resolution images. The lower (PCs 1 to 4) order PCs (of each commodity) were subsequently examined with the aid of classification gradients. Kernel shape effects were observed in these PCs. The use of NIR hyperspectral imaging for distinguishing between pre-germinated and non pre-germinated grain kernels shows promise. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die gebruik van naby infrarooi (NIR) hiperspektrale beeld-analise is geëvalueer om onderskeid te tref tussen voor-ontkiemde en nie-voor-ontkiemde gars, koring en sorghum korrels. Die effek van korrelvorm op hiperspektrale beelde is ook geëvalueer. Die eerste stel graan-monsters is gebruik vir 150 9m ruimtelike resolusie beelde en die tweede stel is gebruik vir 30 9m ruimtelike resolusie beelde. Die eerste kultivar stel is verdeel in ses sub-stelle en met gedistilleerde water behandel vir 0, 6, 9, 12, 18 en 24 hr. Sub-stel lewensvatbaarheid is met die tetrazolium toets vasgestel. Elke kultivar in die tweede stel is in sewe sub-stelle verdeel en is vir 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 of 30 hr geïnkubeer. Individuele korrel lewensvatbaarheid is met die tetrazolium toets vasgestel. NIR hiperspektrale beelde is verkry deur gebruik te maak van twee verskillende SisuCHEMA kameras. Die verskillende kameras is gebruik om verskillende resolusie (30 en 150 9m ruimtelike resolusie) beelde te verkry. Hoofkomponent analise (HKA) is uitgevoer en ’n verskil tussen voor- ontkiemde en nie-voor-ontkiemde korrels is waargeneem in die 150 9m ruimtelike resolusie beelde. HK ladings stippe het water, stysel en proteïene uitgesonder as die verbindings wat bydrae het tot spektrale variasie. ’n Verskil tussen die voor-ontkiemde korrels en nie-voor-ontkiemde korrels is ook gesien vir die 30 9m ruimtelike resolusie beelde. Dit is egter ook waargeneem dat sommige korrels as voor-ontkiem bepaal is deur die tetrazolium toets, maar dié korrels het dieselfde chemiese samestelling volgens die punte beeld as nie-voor-ontkiemde korrels. Onvolledige endosperm hidrolise is ’n moontlike verduideliking vir die verskynsel. Die verbindings wat bygedra het tot die variasie is water, stysel en proteïene. ’n Parsiële kleinste kwadrate diskriminant analise (PKW-DA) model met twee klasse is ontwikkel vir elke kultivar van die 150 9m ruimtelike resolusie beelde. Die klasse is aangewys in the punte stip. Die model met die hoogste variasie in Y is gekies om die ander kultivars van dieselfde kommoditeit te voorspel. The PKW-DA resultate vir die gars kultivars het getoon dat die model vals positiewes en vals negatiewes opgelewer het. Die koring PKW-DA model het ’n klassifikasie koers van 81% vir die nie-voor-ontkiemde klasse en 93% vir die voor-ontkiemde klasse opgelewer. The PKW-DA resultate vir sorghum het getoon dat die model ’n klassifikasie koers van 97% vir die nie-voor-ontkiemde klasse en 93% vir die voor-ontkiemde klasse opgelewer. Twee verskillende PKW-DA modelle is ontwikkel vir elke beeld van elke kultivar van die 30 9m ruimtelike resolusie beelde. Die eerste model is ontwikkel deur elke korrel in die punte beeld aan te wys tot een van twee klasse en die tweede model is ontwikkel deur die beeldelemente in die punte stip tot een van twee klasse toe te skryf. Model 1 het vals negatiewes opgelewer en model 2 vals positiewes. Die verskille tussen die nie-voor-ontkiemde en voor-ontkiemde korrels is eers verduidelik in hoër orde HK van die 150 9m ruimtelike resolusie beelde. Die laer orde HK is dus ondersoek vir hul bydrae tot spektrale variasie met die hulp van klassifikasie gradiënte. Korrel vorm effekte is waargeneem. Die gebruik van NIR hiperspektrale beelding om onderskeid te tref tussen voor-ontkiemde en nie-voor-ontkiemde graan korrels, lyk belowend.

Thesis (MSc Food Sc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Near infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR HSI) in conjunction with multivariate image analysis was evaluated for the detection of millet and buckwheat flour in ground black pepper. Additionally, midinfrared (MIR) spectroscopy was used for the quantification of millet and buckwheat flour in ground black pepper. These techniques were applied as they allow non-destructive, invasive and rapid analysis. Black pepper and adulterant (either millet or buckwheat flour) mixtures were made in 5% (w/w) increments spanning the range 0-100% (w/w). The mixtures were transferred to eppendorf tube holders and imaged with a sisuChema short wave infrared (SWIR) pushbroom imaging system across the spectral range of 1000–2498 nm. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to pseudo-absorbance images for the removal of unwanted data (e.g. background, shading effects and bad pixels). PCA was subsequently applied to the ‘cleaned’ data. An adulterant concentration related gradient was observed in principal component one (PC1) and a difference between black pepper adulterated with buckwheat and millet was noted in PC4. Four absorption peaks (1461, 2241, 2303 and 2347 nm) were identified in the loading line plot of PC1 that are associated with protein and oil. The loading line plot of PC4 revealed absorption peaks at 1955, 1999, 2136 and 2303 nm, that are related to protein and oil. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was applied to NIR HSI images for discrimination between black pepper adulterated with varying amounts of adulterant (millet or buckwheat). The model created with millet adulterated black pepper samples had a classification accuracy of 77%; a classification accuracy of 70% was obtained for the buckwheat adulterated black pepper samples. An average spectrum was calculated for each sample in the NIR HSI images and the resultant spectra were used for the quantification of adulterant (millet or buckwheat) in ground black pepper. All samples were also analysed using an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform (FT) – infrared (IR) instrument and MIR spectra were collected between 576 and 3999 cm-1. PLS regression was employed. NIR based predictions (r2 = 0.99, RMSEP = 3.02% (w/w), PLS factor = 4) were more accurate than MIR based predictions (r2 = 0.56, RMSEP = 19.94% (w/w), PLS factors = 7). Preprocessed NIR spectra revealed adulterant specific absorption bands (1743, 2112 and 2167 nm) whereas preprocessed MIR spectra revealed a buckwheat specific signal at 1574 cm-1. NIR HSI has great promise for both the qualitative and quantitative analysis of powdered food products. Our study signals the beginning of incorporating hyperspectral imaging in the analysis of powdered food substances and results can be improved with advances in instrumental development and better sample preparation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die gebruik van naby infrarooi hiperspektrale beelding (NIR HB) tesame met veelvoudige beeldanalise is ondersoek vir die opsporing van stysel-verwante produkte (giers en bokwiet) in gemaalde swart pepper. Middel-infrarooi (MIR) spektroskopie is addisioneel gebruik vir die kwantifisering van hierdie stysel-verwante produkte in swart pepper. Albei hierdie tegnieke is toegepas aangesien dit deurdringend van aard is en dit bied nie-destruktiewe sowel as spoedige analise. Swart pepper en vervalsingsmiddel (giers of bokwiet) mengsels is uitgevoer in 5% (m/m) inkremente tussen 0 en 100% (m/m). Eppendorfbuishouers is met die mengsels gevul en hiperspektrale beelde is verkry deur die gebruik van ‘n sisuChema SWIR (kortgolf infrarooi) kamera met ‘n spektrale reikwydte van 1000–2498 nm. Hoofkomponent-analise (HK) is toegepas op pseudo-absorbansie beelde vir die verwydering van ongewenste data (bv. agtergrond, skadu en dooie piksels). Hoofkomponent-analise is vervolgens toegepas op die ‘skoon’ data. Hoofkomponent (HK) een (HK1) het die aanwesigheid van ‘n vervalsingsmiddel konsentrasie verwante gradient getoon terwyl HK4 ‘n verskil getoon het tussen swart pepper vervals met giers en bokwiet. Vier absorpsiepieke (1461, 2241, 2303 en 2347 nm) was geïdentifiseer binne die HK lading stip van HK1 wat met proteïen en olie geassosieer kon word. Die HK lading stip van HK4 het absorpsipieke by 1955, 1999, 2136 en 2303 nm aangedui wat verband hou met proteïen en olie. Parsiële kleinste waarde diskriminant-analise (PKW-DA) is toegepas op die hiperspektrale beelde vir die moontlike onderskeiding tussen swart pepper vervals met verskeie hoeveelhede vervalsingsmiddel (giers of bokwiet). ‘n Klassifikasie koers van 77% is verkry vir die model ontwikkel met giers vervalsde swart pepper terwyl die model ontwikkel met bokwiet vervalsde swarte pepper ‘n klassifikasie koers van 70% bereik het. ‘n Gemiddelde spektrum is bereken vir elke monster in die hiperspektrale beelde en die resulterende spektra is gebruik vir die kwantifisering van vervalsingsmiddels (giers of bokwiet) in gemaalde swart pepper. ‘n ATR FT-IR instrument met spektrale reikwydte van 576-3999 cm-1 is additioneel gebruik vir die analise van alle monsters. Parsiële kleinste waarde regressie is gebruik vir kwantifikasie doeleindes. NIR gebasseerde voorspellings (r2 = 0.99, RMSEP = 3.02% (m/m), PLS faktore = 4) was meer akkuraat as die MIR gebasseerde voorspellings (r2 = 0.56, RMSEP = 19.94% (m/m), PLS faktore = 7). Vooraf behandelde NIR spektra het vervalsingsmiddel verwante absorpsiepieke (1743, 2112 en 2167 nm) aangetoon terwyl vooraf behandelde MIR spektra ‘n bokwiet verwante absorpsiepiek by 1574 cm-1 aangedui het. NIR HB toon goeie potensiaal vir beide kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe analise van gepoeierde voedsel produkte. Ons studie kan gesien word as die begin van die inkorporasie van hiperspektrale beelding in die analise van gepoeierde voedsel material en verbeterde resulte kan verkry word deur die vordering in instrumentasie ontwikkeling en verbeterde monstervoorbereiding.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Please see fulltext for abstract / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sien asb volteks vir opsomming

Thesis (Msc Food Sc (Food Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / An 84-day study was conducted to find a suitable diet and feeding level for the culture of South African abalone (Haliotis midae) in Namibia. Two experimental diets, namely, a seaweed diet (SWD) Laminaria pallida (macrophytic algae) and a formulated diet (FD) (macro-algae), for use in abalone (Haliotis midae) feed development, were evaluated. The animals used in this study were juveniles (24.33 ± 3.14 mm shell length; 2.72 ± 0.83 g live weight, mean ± SE) and sub-adults (58.07 ± 10.33 mm shell length and 41.96 ± 20.61 g live weight, mean ± SE). The nutrient profile of the SWD and FD displayed no differences in the protein and carbohydrate levels. Crude protein levels ranged from 4.91 to 17.68% (dry matter (DM) basis). The lipid levels in the FD (0.25%) were almost 0.56% lower than that in the SWD (0.76%). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) for the sub-adult abalone ranged from 2.80 to 10.90 and 0.10 to 0.40, respectively. The juvenile abalone fed on the FD yielded significantly lower (P < 0.05) FCRs (0.8) and higher PERs (1.20) than their counterparts fed on the SWD. A similar trend was observed for the sub-adult abalone although the differences were not significant (P > 0.05). The relative growth rate (RGR) of juvenile fed on the FD was 25% lower compared to those fed on the SWD, while that of the sub-adult abalone fed on the FD was 29% lower compared to the abalone fed on the SWD. From the daily growth rate (DGR) in terms of daily body weight (DGRBW) calculated after the 84-day period, repeated-measures ANOVA (RANOVA) indicated no interaction between time period and diet. Although slightly lower, the DGRBW for the juvenile abalone fed on the SWD diet (0.033 g/day) did not differ significantly from the DGRBW of abalone fed on the FD (0.079 g/day). In contrast, sub-adult abalone fed on the SWD exhibited significantly higher DGRBW compared to those fed on the FD. Although the abalone fed on the FD was slightly higher in nutritional content, there was no significantly difference (P > 0.05) in the nutritional profile of the abalone soft body tissue fed on either the SWD or FD. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in preference when comparing the aroma of the abalone meat samples fed on either the SWD or FD. However, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the consumers’ preference in terms of flavour for the abalone sample fed on the FD. The trained taste panel results indicated that there was no difference in the aroma and flavour of the abalone fed on the different diets (P > 0.05). This study showed that cultured juvenile H. midae, readily accepted a FD, producing high consumption and survival rates. The FD still warrants further refinement and testing for it to become a more effective mariculture feed with commercial potential.

Thesis (Msc Food Sc (Food Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / The physical and mental development of underprivileged children, living in developing countries, is detrimentally affected by the exposure to poverty, malnutrition and poor health. The aim of the present study was to determine the possible risk of nutritional deficiencies of children (aged 5 – 6 years) in a low socio-economic community in the Grabouw area of the Western Cape, South Africa. The nutritional status of the children was evaluated by using anthropometric measurements (weight and height). Furthermore, the dietary intake provided by the meals offered at the schools they attended (Agapé 1 and Agapé 2), was assessed using the school menus. The latter were analysed using the FoodFinder3® computer programme (Medical Research Council of SA, Tygerberg, South Africa). Three supplementary food products (biscuit, health bar and soy milk-based drink) were subsequently developed to address possible nutritional deficiencies. The microbial stability of the products was determined, after which sensory acceptability of all three products was determined using a consumer panel consisting of children (n = 51; M:F = 27:24; 5 – 6 years) from the mentioned schools within the low socio-economic community. Anthropometric results were in agreement with those found by the National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) (1999) and the South African Vitamin A Consultative Group (SAVACG) (1995), with stunting found to be most prevalent (16%). Only 5% of the children were found to be underweight and none were found to be wasted. The developed biscuit and health bar was found to be microbiologically safe when stored for at least 30 d at 25° and 35°C respectively, and the soy milk-based drink for 7 d if stored at refrigeration temperatures (5°C). Concerning the sensory preference, no significant difference was found between the preference for any of the developed products by the males and the females. For the specific products the preference for the biscuit did not differ significantly from the health bar, nor did the health bar differ significantly from the soy milk-based drink, but the biscuit did differ significantly (p = 0.006) from the soy milk-based drink for preference. The biscuit was found to be the most preferred of the three products and the soy milk-based drink the least. The majority of the juvenile consumer panel (95%) found all three developed food products acceptable and could, therefore, be considered possible supplementary foods in a school nutrition programme. The aim of nutritional supplementation is to supplement the existing diet and in doing so ensuring a more ideal nutrient intake closer to what is recommended by the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). It is proposed that nutritional deficiencies should, however, not only be addressed by means of nutritional supplementation, but should also be assisted by the nutrition education of the parent/guardian so as help them to make informed nutritional choices and in doing so providing their children with the nutrients necessary for optimal mental and physical development.

Thesis (MSc Food Sc)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The agricultural sector of South Africa is currently facing a serious water crisis. The decreased availability of water as a result of climate change and the constantly growing population has left many farmers increasingly dependant on surface water as primary source of irrigation. Urbanisation along with out-dated and insufficient wastewater treatment works have all contributed to polluting large volumes of these resources. Consequently, many farmers have been forced to use irrigation water, not only of poor quality, but often water which has been polluted with untreated sewage. As a result, this project aimed at investigating the link between the quality of irrigation water and the impact on the safety of fresh produce. A base-line of the microbial load at three sites along the Plankenburg and Eerste Rivers was established using standard microbial methods for the detection of indicator organisms such as total and faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and Enterococci as well as potential pathogens that included Salmonella, Listeria, Staphylococcus, endosporeformers and aerobic colony counts. Chemical parameters such as pH, alkalinity, conductivity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were also monitored, but were not correlated to microbial pollution levels in the rivers. High faecal coliform and E. coli concentrations, ranging from 310 to 7 x 106 cfu.100 mL-1 and 230 to 7 x 106 cfu.100 mL-1, respectively, were detected. The recommended irrigation water guidelines of ≤1 000 (WHO, 1989) and ≤4 000 cfu.100 mL-1 (DWAF, 2008) for faecal coliforms and E. coli were exceeded, indicating faecal pollution and thus a high health risk. This health risk was confirmed when potential pathogens such as Aerococcus viridans, Klebsiella, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium were detected at all three sites. The carryover of organisms from rivers to produce (green beans and grapes) was investigated by comparing the microbial population of the Plankenburg and Eerste Rivers to the population recovered from irrigation water and the surface of fresh produce. Faecal coliforms, E. coli, Aerococcus viridans, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella, L. innocua, L. grayi, L. monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were detected in all three sample types, indicating a similarity between the microbial populations found in the river, the irrigation water and produce. Thus, the transfer of potential pathogens from the rivers to produce is a strong possibility. The build-up of organisms on the surface of green beans as a result of multiple irrigations was also confirmed by an increase in faecal coliform concentrations from initial concentrations of none detected to 44 000 cfu.100 mL-1 over a 10 day irrigation period. Finally, microbial source-tracking techniques including multi-antibiotic resistance (MAR) profiling, and the API 20E classification system were used to determine genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of 92 faecal isolates (from irrigation water and produce) and 13 reference strains. Numerical classification systems was used to classify the 105 faecal isolates according to the degree of similarity between the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of the 105 isolates. A high degree of similarity indicates a high probability that isolates originate from the same strain and therefore from the same source, thereby confirming the transfer of organisms Faecal isolates (93 and 98%, respectively) were found to be resistant to Vancomycin at both the 5 and 30 μg concentrations. The majority of isolates presented some resistance to Erythromycin (15 μg) and Ampicillin (25 μg), with 82% of isolates presenting an inhibition zone ≤4 mm. Isolates were sensitive towards Ciprofloxacin (1 and 5 μg), Ofloxacin (15 μg), Ceftriaxone (30 μg) and Cefotaxime (5 μg), which were able to inhibit the growth of 79.8, 93.3, 79.8, 88.5 and 71.2% of the isolates, respectively. The 13 medical reference strains all presented different genotypic and phenotypic characteristics and thereby indicated a high degree of variability between isolates from the same species. Finally, 35% of the isolates could be grouped together based on similar genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, therefore, more than a third of the faecal isolates obtained from the surface of the fresh produce was as a result of faecal contaminants in the irrigation water. It could therefore be concluded that a health risk is associated with the water from the Plankenburg and to a lesser extent, Eerste River when used as source of irrigation, thereby risking the transfer of potentially harmful organisms, present in the rivers as result of faecal pollution, to the surface of fresh produce. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suid-Afrika stuur tans af op 'n dreigende water krisis. Klimaatsverandering tesame met 'n spoedig groeiende bevolking het gelei tot 'n aansienlike vermindering in die land se varswaterbronne terwyl veranderende reënvalpatrone daartoe bygedra het dat talle boere al hoe meer afhanklik geword het van oppervlakvarswaterbronne as hul hoof-besproeïngsbron. Verstedeliking, armoede asook verouderde en onvoldoende infrastrukture het egter bygedra tot die besoedeling van baie van hierdie oppervlakvarswaterbronne. Gevolglik is meeste boere genoodsaak om klaar te kom met besproeïngswater van, nie net onaanvaarbare mikrobiese kwaliteit nie, maar dikwels water wat gekontamineer is met onbehandelde riool. Hierdie studie was gevolglik daarop gemik om die impak van die mikrobiologiese kwaliteit van besproeïngswater op die veiligheid van vars groente en vrugte te bepaal. Standaard mikrobiologiese metodes vir die bepaling van indikator organismes soos totale en fekale kolivorms, E. coli en enterococci asook potensiële patogene wat Salmonella, Listeria en Staphylococcus insluit, was gebruik om die mikrobiese lading by drie verskillende punte (P1, P2 en P3) in die Plankenburg en Eerste Rivier te bepaal. Chemiese parameters soos pH, alkaliniteit, konduktiwiteit en Chemiese Suurstof Behoefte was ook bepaal maar geen korrelasie kon tussen hierdie eienskappe en die mikrobiese besoedelingsvlakke getref word nie. Hoë konsentrasies fekale kolivorms en E. coli wat onderskeidelik vanaf 3.1 x 102 tot 7 x 106 kve.100 mL-1 en 2.3 x 102 tot 7 x 106 kve.100 mL-1 gestrek het en gereeld die voorgeskrewe riglyne van onderskeidelik ≤1 000 (WHO, 1989) en ≤4 000 kve.100 mL-1 (DWAF, 2008) oorskry het, was by al drie punte gevind. Hierdie resultate het gedui op fekale besoedeling wat gevolglik met 'n hoë gesondheidsrisiko geassosieer kon word. Hierdie risiko was bevestig deur die teenwoordigheid van talle potensiële patogene, soos Aerococcus viridans, Klebsiella, Listeria monocytogenes en Salmonella typhimurium, wat vanaf al drie punte geïsoleer was. Die oordrag van organismes vanaf die besoedelde riviere na vars vrugte en groente (groen bone en druiwe) was bepaal deur die mikrobiese lading in die Plankenburg en Eerste Rivier te vergelyk met dié verkry vanuit die besproeïngswater en vanaf groen bone wat besproei was met hierdie water. Fekale kolivorms, E. coli, Aerococcus viridans, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella, L. innocua, L. grayi, L. monocytogenes en Staphylococcus aureus was vanaf al drie die monster tipes geïsoleer. Hierdie resultate het gedui op eenderse mikrobiese populasies in al drie bronne en het daarom die moontlike oordrag van patogene bevestig. Die opbou van organismes as gevolg van veelvuldige besproeïngsessies aan die oppervlak van groen bone was bevestig deur die toename in fekale kolivorm konsentrasie vanaf 'n begin telling van nul tot 'n maksimum konsentrasie van 44 000 kve.100 mL-1. Laastens was mikrobiologiese bron naspeurbaarheidstegnieke soos multi-antibiotika weerstandbiedende profiele en die API 20E klassifikasie sisteem gebruik om individuele genotipe en fenotipe profiele van die 105 fekale isolate saam te stel. Numeriese klassifikasie sisteme was gebruik om die isolate op grond van ooreenkomste tussen hul individuele fenotipiese en genotipiese karaktereienskappe te groeppeer. 'n Hoë mate van ooreenkomstigheid sal dan daarop dui dat isolate van dieselfde besoedlingsbron afkomstig is en gevolglik die oordrag van organismes vanaf besproeïngswater na vrugte en groente bevestig. Onderskeidelik 93 en 98% van die fekale isolate het daarop gedui om weerstandbiedend te wees teen beide 5 en 30 μg Vancomycin. Die meerderheid isolate (82%) het ook 'n mate van weerstand teenoor Erythromycin (15 μg) en Ampicillin (25 μg) getoon met inhibisie sones ≤4 mm. Isolate was ook sensitief teenoor Ciprofloxacin (1 en 5 μg), Ofloxacin (15 μg), Ceftriaxone (30 μg) en Cefotaxime (5 μg). Hierdie antibiotikums was in staat om die groei van onderskeidelik 79.8, 93.3, 79.8, 88.5 en 71.2 % van die isolate te inhibeer. Alhoewel resultate 'n hoë mate van variasie tussen isolate van dieselfde spesie getoon het was dit nogtans moontlik om 35% van die isolate saam te groeppeer op grond van ooreenstemmende genotipe en fenotipe profiele. Meer as 'n derde van die fekale isolate wat vanaf die oppervlakte van die groente en vrugte geïsoleer was, was afkomstig vanaf fekale besmetting in die besproeïngswater. Die oordrag van potensieël patogene organismes vanaf besoedelde riviere na vars vrugte en groente tydens besproeïng was sodoende bevestig. 'n Hoë gesondheidsrisiko was gevolglik gekoppel aan die gebruik van water vanaf die Plankenburg Rivier, en in 'n minder mate die Eerste Rivier, as bron van besproeïngswater. / Water Research Commission / National Research Foundation

Thesis (MSc Food Sc (Food Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Agriculture in the Western Cape is not only one of the most important economic sectors but also provides many job opportunities. Over the last few years the sustainability of this successful industry has become threatened by the faecal pollution of rivers used to irrigate produce that will be consumed raw or after minimal processing. This situation not only poses an enormous risk to the health of the consumer but also to farmers who stand to lose their export licenses. The purpose of this study was to determine the microbial types and loads in river water, irrigation water and on irrigated produce. A baseline study was done on four sites in two Western Cape rivers. These sites were chosen to allow for the sampling of river water, irrigation water and irrigated produce so as to determine whether a link between the use of contaminated irrigation water and the microbial population found on irrigated produce exists. The physico-chemical analyses used in the study consisted of: pH, alkalinity, water temperature, conductivity and chemical oxygen demand. The microbial monitoring included the aerobic colony counts (ACC) and the enumeration of the total coliforms, faecal coliforms, staphylococci, enterococci, and aerobic and anaerobic sporeformers present in the water samples. The presence or absence of the potential pathogens like E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella, was also determined. During the baseline study faecal coliform counts as high as 160 000 organisms.100 mL-1 were noted in the Plankenburg River, while counts as high as 460 000 organisms.100 mL-1 were found in the Mosselbank River. Apart from this, high numbers of staphylococci and intestinal enterococci were often found, while E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella were present in samples from both of these rivers. Based on the results of the baseline study on the two rivers it was decided to do a more intensive study on the microbial load of the river and irrigation water as well as irrigated produce from the Mosselbank site. Lettuce and cabbages from a commercial farmer’s fields were chosen as the irrigated produce. During the warmer summer months, ACC counts in the river samples peaked at 12 8000 000 cfu.mL-1, while faecal coliform counts of 1 600 000 organisms.100 mL-1 were found. The three potential pathogens (E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella) were present in all the river samples taken during this period. While the counts of indicator bacteria in the irrigation water was often lower, faecal coliform counts as high as 1 600 000 organisms.100 mL-1 and several other potential pathogens were found on the irrigated lettuce and cabbage. This could indicate a possible “build-up” of contamination on the produce with the repeated application of the tainted irrigation water. According to guidelines published by DWAF in 2008, water to be used for irrigation should not contain more than 4 000 organisms.100 mL-1 faecal coliforms if it is used for the irrigation of crops that are to be consumed raw or after a minimal processing step, as this would increase the health risk to the consumer. Guidelines published by the South African Department of Health are even stricter and state that raw vegetables and fruit should not contain more than 200 coliform organisms per gram, while E. coli and L. monocytogenes should be absent in one gram, and Salmonella spp. in 25 grams of the produce, respectively. From the data obtained during this study it was evident that the two rivers monitored regularly contained faecal indicators at levels much higher than those proposed in national and international guidelines for safe irrigation, making them unfit for the irrigation of MPF’s. It could be concluded that the rivers investigated during this study contained high levels of faecal contamination. Since some of the pathogens isolated from the river and irrigation water and the irrigated produce, it suggests a carry-over of microbial contamination from the river water to the irrigated produce. This was, however, only done using the traditional international methods and the presence of specific pathogens should in future be confirmed by means of molecular techniques. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Landbou is nie net die een van die belangrikste ekonomiese sektore in die Wes-Kaap nie, maar verskaf ook vele werksgeleenthede. Oor die afgelope paar jaar word die volhoubaarheid van hierdie suksesvolle industrie egter bedreig deur die fekale kontaminasie van riviere wat gebruik word vir die besproeiing van voedsel wat rou of na ‘n minimale prosesserings stap ingeneem word. Hierdie situasie hou nie net ‘n groot gevaar vir die gesondheid van verbruikers in nie, maar ook vir boere wat hul uitvoerlisensies hierdeur kan verloor. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die ladings en tipes mikrobes in rivier water, besproeiingswater en op besproeide produkte vas te stel. ‘n Basiese studie van vier liggings in twee Wes-Kaapse riviere is gedoen. Hierdie liggings is só gekies dat dit moontlik was om die rivier water, besproeiingswater en die besproeide produkte te monitor, en daar sodoende vasgestel kon word of daar ‘n verhouding is tussen die gebruik van gekontamineerde besproeiingswater en die mikrobe populasie wat op die besproeide produkte aanwesig was. Die fisiko-chemiese analises wat gedurende die studie gedoen is, het pH, alkaliniteit, water temperatuur, geleidingsvermoë en die chemiese suurstof vereiste (COD) ingesluit. Die mikrobiese analises het die aërobe kolonie tellings (ACC) en die enumerasie van die totale kolivorme, fekale kolivorme, staphylococci, enterococci en die aërobe en anaërobe spoorvormers ingesluit. Daar is ook vir die aanwesigheid van potensiële patogene soos E. coli, Listeria en Salmonella getoets. Gedurende die basiese studie is fekale kolovorme tellings van so hoog as 160 000 organismes.100mL-1 in die Plankenburg Rivier aangeteken, terwyl tellings van so hoog as 460 000 organismes.100mL-1 in die Mosselbank Rivier gevind is. Hoë tellings stafielokokki en intestinale enterokokki is gereeld genoteer, terwyl E.coli, Listeria en Salmonella uit die waters van beide hierdie riviere geïsoleer is. Gebaseer op hierdie resultate is daar besluit om ‘n meer intensiewe studie van die rivier, besproeiingswater en die besproeide produkte van die Mosselbank Rivier te doen. Blaarslaai en kool van ‘n kommersiële boer se lande is vir hierdie doel gekies. Gedurende die warmer somer maande het die aërobe kolonie tellings in die rivier ‘n piek van 12 800 000 kve.mL-1 bereik, terwyl fekale kolivorme tellings van 1 600 000 organismes.100mL-1 genoteer is. Die drie potensiële patogene (E. coli, Listeria en Salmonella) was aanwesig in al die monsters wat gedurende hierdie tydperk van die rivierwater geneem is. Alhoewel die tellings indikator bakterieë in die besproeiingswater meestal laag was, is tellings fekale kolivorme van so hoog as 1 600 000 kve.100mL-1 en verskeie ander potensiële patogene op die besproeide blaarslaai en kool gevind. Dit kan dui op ‘n moontlike opbou van kontaminasie op die produkte met die herhaalde besproeiing met gekontamineerde besproeiingswater. Volgens die riglyne wat in 2008 deur DWAF gepubliseer is, mag water wat vir die besproeiing van minimaal geprosesseerdevoedsels gebruik word nie meer as 4 000 organismes.100mL-1 bevat nie, aangesien dit die gesondheid van die gebruiker in gevaar mag stel. Die riglyne van die Suid-Afrikaanse Departement van Gesondheid is selfs strenger en beveel aan dat rou vrugte en groente nie meer as 200 kolivorme en geen L. monocytogenes per gram, en geen Salmonella spp. in 25 g van die produk mag bevat nie. Vanuit die data wat tydens hierdie studie ingesamel is, is dit duidelik dat die twee riviere gereeld fekale indikators bevat het teen vlakke baie hoër as wat in die nasionale en internasionale riglyne aanbeveel word. Hierdie water is dus nie geskik vir die besproeiing van minimaal geprosesseerde produkte nie. Die afleiding kan gemaak word dat die riviere wat tydens hierdie studie gemonitor is, hoë vlakke van fekale kontaminasie bevat het. Aangesien sommige van die patogene vanuit beide die rivier- en besproeiingswater, en vanaf die besproeide produkte geïsoleer is, kan dit dui op ‘n moontlike oordrag van mikrobiese kontaminasie vanuit die rivierwater na die besproeide produkte. Tydens hierdie studie is daar egter net van die tradisionele internasionale metodes gebruik gemaak. Vir toekomstige navorsing word dit aanbeveel dat die aanwesigheid van die spesifieke patogene deur die gebruik van molekulêre metodes bevestig word.