Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Research Project

Degree Name

Grade 12

Keywords

Pathogenic Bacteria, bacterial contamination, online shopping, parcel packaging

Abstract

Delivery of parcels in the Philippines used cardboard and plastic packaging. Its widespread use in online shopping and shipping raised concerns about bacterial contamination during transit. Research suggested that materials might harbor bacteria due to their respective components, potentially causing contamination at the reception point. As the world transitioned to a post-pandemic situation, sanitation became less of a priority. This study compared the amount of bacteria found on plastic and cardboard-covered delivery parcels through a comparative-descriptive research design. Parcels were ordered in duplicate: two plastic and two paper. First, the parcels were swabbed and serially diluted before inoculating into triplicates labeled by their dilution factor. After incubation for 24 hours, select colonies similar to cardboard and paper parcels were submitted for VITEK testing to determine what species were prominent in packaging surfaces. The results of the tests confirmed the presence of Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) as the most common bacteria found between the two types of packaging material. It was a soil bacteria that induced diarrheal and emetic symptoms, attributed to most food-poisoning illnesses. This led the researchers to conclude that microorganisms could thrive on plastic and cardboard-based packaging materials. The researchers suggested that further research focused on methodology and data collection was recommended to improve the study's findings.

First Advisor

Vivian B. Ramirez, LPT MSc

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