DETERMINATION OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINANT AND NUTRITIONAL CONTENT OF SLICED WATERMELON FRUIT SOLD AROUND MADORAWA MARKET

ABSTRACTWatermelon (Citrullus lanatus), family (Cucurbitaccae) is the plant originally from Southern Africa. The aim of the study was to isolate and identify the micro-organisms associated with contamination of watermelon fruits sold within Madorawa area. The sample used for this was collected from Madorawa markets. The samples were categorized into polythene bags. Result from the present study showed the microbial contamination and nutritional composition of watermelon fruits. The fungal analysis indicated a 100% occurrence of Candida tropicalis in all samples. While bacterial analysis identified the presence of Streptococcus species, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus as dominant organisms. Proximate analysis revealed that watermelon fruits contain carbohydrates (85.68 ± 0.133 g/100g), moisture content (9.19 ± 0.0493 g/100g), crude fiber (7.23 ± 0.0794 g/100g) and protein (3.22 ± 0.1531 g/100g), crude lipid content was low (0.85 ± 0.0551 g/100g). While mineral analysis revealed the presence of essential elements such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron. Calcium (40.99 ± 1.5302 mg/100g), zinc levels (11.62 ± 0.1752 mg/100g), iron (6.91 ± 0.2754 mg/100g). Calcium was found in significant amounts making watermelon a valuable source of this mineral for bone health. Magnesium and potassium, essential for muscle function, were present in moderate concentrations. The high zinc levels, makes watermelon a beneficial fruit for immune support, while iron is vital for preventing anemia and supporting oxygen transport in the blood. This study recommended that to reduce the health risks posed by microbial contamination, improved sanitation measures and proper food handling are critical.