2 research outputs found
Cork stoppers industry: defining appropriate mould colonization
Aims: The main aims of this work were the study of cork
slabs moulds colonization and the evaluation of the moulds
diversity during cork processing steps, in different cork stoppers
factories. Simultaneously, it was envisaged to perform an
evaluation of the air quality.
Methods and Results: Moulds were isolated and identified
from cork slabs and cork samples in four cork stoppers factories.
The identification was based on morphological characters
and microscopic observation of the reproductive structures.
Airborne spore dispersion was assessed using a two stage
Andersen sampler. It was observed that Chrysonilia sitophila
was always present on cork slabs during the maturing period,
but mould diversity appeared to be associated to the different
factory configurations and processing steps.
Conclusions: Spatial separation of the different steps of the
process, including physical separation of the maturation step,
is essential to guarantee high air quality and appropriate cork
slabs colonization, i.e. C. sitophila dominance. The sorting
and cutting of the edges of cork slabs after boiling and before
the maturing step is also recommended.
Significance and Impact of the Study: This study is very
important for the cork stopper industry as it gives clear indications
on how to keep high quality manufacturing standards and
how to avoid occupational health problems.Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica/Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica-Universidade Nova de Lisboa,
Apt. 12, 2781-901 OEIRAS. Portugal
2 Estação Agronómica Nacional, 2784-505 OEIRAS. Portugal
3 Estação Vitivinícola Nacional, 2565-191 DOIS PORTOS. Portugal. Program PEDIP II,
M 4.8, IAPMEI, Ministério da Economia, Portugal