The goal of this research is to
determine bacterial levels and diversity in kitchen sponges as well as
effective household disinfection methods. This research will begin with sterile
sponges, first testing the new sponges for any existing bacterium. The sponges
will then be used to wash dirty dishes, followed by testing each sponge for
bacterial levels and diversity. Finally, the contaminated sponges will be
disinfected through multiple methods, including microwave, dishwasher, and air
drying. The significance of the research is to determine the most effective
sanitation methods for kitchen sponges and the bacterial levels and diversity.
Kitchen sponges are commonly used to clean dishes and with that comes the
potential for cross-contamination from foods with bacteria, viruses, and molds.
Illness from these pathogens contribute to hospitalizations and it is important
to study the types of bacteria and the most effective method for elimination to
prevent illness through cross-contamination.
This
research will be conducted by experimenting using dirty kitchen sponges. Each
sponge will be tested using agar plates, one sample will be taken while the
sponge is still damp, before disinfecting, then another after each disinfection
method. The number of bacterial colonies will be observed after incubation.
What are the bacterial levels and
diversity of a dirty kitchen sponge and what is the most effective way to
disinfect a kitchen sponge? It is believed that a dirty kitchen sponge contains
a large and diverse number of bacteria and the most effective method for
sanitizing the sponge is to use the microwave. It may be discovered that a
combination of high heat and the time exposed to the heat will increase the
effectiveness of the disinfection method. There is a possibility that none of
the sanitation methods are effective in eliminating bacteria on a kitchen
sponge.
