ABSTRACT
The present study was performed to determine the depuration time and ability of Donax trunculus (Wedge Clam) and Tapes decussatus (Carpet Shell) contaminated with Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Clams were contaminated with each bacterium at the level of 7.0 - 8.0 Log10 cfu/g. After contamination, clams were analyzed every 3 h in the first 24 h time period and every 6 h until the 72nd hour. During the depuration process of both clams, the level of bacteria decreased quickly to 40% of initial load in the first 12 h. The results of this study indicate that the depuration time of carpet shells for all bacteria is 66 h. The depuration process of the wedge clam was different from the carpet shell; S. typhimurium and E. coli can be depurated in 66 and 78 h, respectively, while V. parahaemolyticus was present after 72 h at the level of 1.7 Log10 cfu/g.