Microbiological Quality of Indoor Air at the San Sebastian Market - Cajamarca, 2025

Chávez-Plasencia D.; Blanco-Broncales M.; Chuquimango-Tingal F.; Izquierdo-Ramirez C. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.2022

Resumen

The purpose of this research study was to assess the microbiological quality of indoor air at the San Sebastián Market, an enclosed environment of public health significance located in the city and department of Cajamarca. Currently, there are few local studies of this type, despite their great value in understanding public health risks and preventing disease in high-traffic indoor spaces. This was a non-experimental study, and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Plate Count Agar (PCA) were used to prepare culture media. The CFU/m3 results revealed a non-uniform microbial load, with the Fish area (P3) recording the highest average (4,106 CFU/m3), followed by Vegetables (P4) (3,326 CFU/m3), while Food (P2) showed the lowest value (1,098 CFU/m3). This distribution demonstrates that the microbial load is directly linked to the operational activities of each zone and the nature of the products sold, favoring proliferation in areas where fresh or moist foods are handled. Bacterial identification revealed the recurrent presence of Staphylococcus and Micrococcus spp. in food-handling areas (P1-P4), associated with perishable products and microenvironmental conditions. The Entry and Exit zones (P5-P6) revealed a more varied composition, including Streptococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Legionella pneumophila, and Corynebacterium, indicating environmental and traffic-related contamination. For fungi, Penicillium spp., Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium herbarum, and Candida sp. were recurrent, especially in handling areas.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte