Abstract As they have an effective filter-feeding mechanism, bivalve molluscs can be used in the assessment of contamination of marine environments to measure parameters related to microbiological contaminants. Given this public health problem, a depuration system is necessary. This study aimed to conduct a literature review on depuration, the systems used, the water disinfection processes combined with a sanitizing agent, such as chlorine, ultraviolet light (UV) or ozone. Therefore, depuration can be an efficient way to reduce pathogenic bacteria in molluscs, but more studies should be conducted to confirm the efficiency of this process under non-experimental conditions and on an industrial scale.

Abstract Mussels can be used in the assessment of contamination of marine environments because of their filtering particles. Since they are used as a food source, this study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the (experimental) depuration process for the microbiological quality of mussels obtained from two regions of the Baixadas Litorâneas in Rio de Janeiro. Samples of cultivation water and mussels were collected seasonally from March 2019 to February 2020, in a total of 240 animals from both regions to perform the Most Probable Number of coliforms at 35 °C, at 45 °C (E. coli), Enterococcus spp., research Salmonella spp., count of heterotrophic aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria in control samples and debugged. A low count of E. coli was observed for the cultivation water, but in mussels the counts were high in the winter period in Armação de Búzios, exceeding the limits established in accordance with the current legislation. However, the depuration technique adopted after collection provided a reduction in bacteriological counts, proving to be an effective process. Therefore, if there is a bacterial reduction with the adoption of the depuration process, there is a need for mitigation measures adopted by mariculturers and city halls regarding the safety of marine waters and molluscs.

Abstract The incorporation of probiotics into fermented milk is beneficial for the consumer's health and it is important to know the viability of these microorganisms in the product, from production to final consumption. This research carried out a predictive study on the behavior of Lactobacillus acidophilus LAFTI L10 probiotic strain during the fermentation and storage stages of whole goat milk yogurt. Selective counts of L. acidophilus were performed with MRS medium added with clindamycin. The primary model of nonlinear regression by Baranyi and Roberts was fit to the experimental data in DMFit 3.5 software and statistically evaluated. The total fermentation time of the yogurt was 6.5 h and 3 logarithmic cycles of probiotic cell growth were observed. During storage, time influenced the concentration of L. acidophilus from the 30th day onwards, maintaining a minimum count that allows the denomination of probiotic yogurt to the product and certifying its quality. The Baranyi and Roberts model fit satisfactorily the experimental data. The results can benefit the dairy industry in the development, optimization, and reliability of their processes for dairy products.