Studies on Some Quality Parameters of the Nigerian Polymer and Paper Bank Notes

Dalen, M. B.

doi:10.9734/bjast/2014/7395

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…Past research shows that the bacterial loading on banknotes is different with regards to the substrate the notes are made of, with a noticeable lower bacterial content on polymer banknotes compared to cotton-based banknotes [7,24,25]. In order to investigate why there is a difference in the bacterial loading based on banknote substrate, we initially investigated the survival of bacteria on both cotton-based and polymer banknotes.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dirty Money: A Matter of Bacterial Survival, Adherence, and Toxicity

et al. 2016

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In this study we report the underlying reasons to why bacteria are present on banknotes and coins. Despite the use of credit cards, mobile phone apps, near-field-communication systems, and cryptocurrencies such as bitcoins which are replacing the use of hard currencies, cash exchanges still make up a significant means of exchange for a wide range of purchases. The literature is awash with data that highlights that both coins and banknotes are frequently identified as fomites for a wide range of microorganisms. However, most of these publications fail to provide any insight into the extent to which bacteria adhere and persist on money. We treated the various currencies used in this study as microcosms, and the bacterial loading from human hands as the corresponding microbiome. We show that the substrate from which banknotes are produced have a significant influence on both the survival and adherence of bacteria to banknotes. Smooth, polymer surfaces provide a poor means of adherence and survival, while coarser and more fibrous surfaces provide strong bacterial adherence and an environment to survive on. Coins were found to be strongly inhibitory to bacteria with a relatively rapid decline in survival on almost all coin surfaces tested. The inhibitory influence of coins was demonstrated through the use of antimicrobial disks made from coins. Despite the toxic effects of coins on many bacteria, bacteria do have the ability to adapt to the presence of coins in their environment which goes some way to explain the persistent presence of low levels of bacteria on coins in circulation.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%