- First Name: Birhanu
- Name: Birhanu Zeleke Tilinti
- Position: Lecturer
- Email address: birhanzele@gmail.com
- Institute / University / Company: Arba Minch University
- Research Unit: Food Science and Nutrition
- Address (city, state): Arba Minch, Arba Minch City, Gamo Gofa, PoBox. 21, Ethiopia
- Please give 5 key-words showing your research / interest in Microbial Ecotoxicology:
- Food
- Food Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Nutrition
- Technology
- Main kinds of contaminant(s) of interest:
- Microbial Contaminants: Bacteria: Pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Clostridium botulinum are major concerns due to their potential to cause foodborne illnesse ; Viruses: Contaminants like Norovirus and Hepatitis A can be transmitted through contaminated food ; Parasites: Protozoa (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium) and helminths (e.g., Trichinella) can contaminate food and water.
- Chemical Contaminants: Pesticides: Residues from agricultural practices can contaminate fruits and vegetables ; Heavy Metals: Contaminants such as lead, mercury, and cadmium may accumulate in food sources ; Food Additives: Certain additives, if misused or overused, can pose health risks.
- Physical Contaminants: Foreign Objects: Items like glass, metal, or plastic can unintentionally enter food products.
- Mycotoxins: Toxins produced by certain molds (e.g., aflatoxins) that can contaminate grains, nuts, and dried fruits.
- Spoilage Organisms
- Main kinds of microorganisms of interest:
- Spoilage Bacteria: Pseudomonas spp.: Common in refrigerated foods, leading to spoilage.
- Norovirus: Highly contagious, often transmitted through contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis A: Can contaminate food, especially shellfish and foods handled by infected individuals.
- Fungi: Molds: Aspergillus spp. (e.g., producing aflatoxins)
- Yeasts: Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Used in baking and brewing but can spoil fruit juices and other products.
- Main kinds of ecosystems of interest:
- Food Processing Environments: Examples: Meat processing plants, dairy facilities, and bakeries.
- Aquatic Ecosystems: Examples: Oceans, rivers, and lakes, particularly for seafood.
- Do you give courses on Microbial Ecotoxicology ?: No, but I took more than three food microbiology-related courses and different trainings.
- Message: I am here to the member of ecotoxicoMic and study more on Food Microbes and related issues.
- Most relevant articles in the field of Microbial Ecotoxicology (max.5):
- Tilinti BZ, et al. Evaluation of Physicochemical Property of Wine Developed from Papaya Fruit. OA J Ani Plant Husbandry 2024, 4(1): 180026.
