Characterization of the Bacterial Community of six Floor Drains Located in a Commercial Meat Processing Plant
This study investigates the microbial diversity and dynamics within floor drains of a meat processing plant, during weekend shutdown. Samples were collected from six drains (FD1 to FD6) in different processing areas, including slaughter, evisceration, and cold cutting rooms. Three sites were sampled per drain: the covering grid (CG), the inner surface above water (IS), and the drain water (DW). The dry drain, FD4, was sampled at CG, IS, and the drain bottom (BS). An additional sample from the drain bucket surface (BKS) was collected for FD6. Each drain was sampled after cleaning at the end of the production week (PC) and before pre-operational preparation at the start of the next production week (PO) over three weeks. Microbiological, physicochemical, and metataxonomic analyses were conducted to assess microbial dynamics. Bacterial loads were consistently higher in DW than on surfaces, with significant increases at PO (P < 0.01). Metagenomic analyses reveled stable alpha diversity, while beta diversity varied with environmental conditions (P < 0.05). A persistent core microbiota was identified across all drains, while non-core taxa, such as Rothia, fluctuated. Spoilage-associated and biofilm-forming bacteria were more abundant at PO. These findings highlight the need for improved sanitation to control microbial growth during shutdowns.