“The Quantitative Analysis and Comparison of the Presence of Bacteria on the Various

Elements Found in a Dance Studio, a Gym Facility, and a School”

Garrett Burnett

Makensie Vaughn

Dr. Anthony Newsome

Mrs. Eve Harrison

Dr. Melanie Thomas

Central Magnet School

May 2019
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to first thank my mentor, Dr. Anthony Newsome, for his excellent guidance

and Middle Tennessee State University for the use of its facilities and resources.

Secondly, I would like to extend my appreciation to Mrs. Eve Harrison and Dr. Melanie

Thomas for their assistance in the experimental design and writing process of this thesis.

Lastly, I would like to thank Makensie Vaughn for her tireless efforts in our excellent

partnership. I wouldn’t want to count bacterial colonies with anyone else.

ii
 ABSTRACT
The presence of bacteria has been studied using both quantitative and qualitative
analyses for an extensive period of time, and most of the research has been focused on
public restroom and athletic facilities. There has been no quantitative study comparing a
dance studio, gym facility, and school. Each of these elements have been studied
independently, and the results proved that elevated levels of bacteria were present in each
location.
After careful collection of bacterial samples on comparable elements (a floor, a
direct hand contact object, and a mirror) across the locations was completed, the
hypothesis that the dance barre at the dance studio would host the most bacteria was
disproven. Through a quantitative analysis it was proven that the floor at the dance studio
hosted a significantly higher average number of bacterial colonies than any other element
with 757.5 colonies. Although the dance studio floor had the most bacteria, it had the
least number of bacterial colonies on the other elements. The gym facility also presented
with higher levels of bacteria on all tested elements while the school was consistently in
the middle.
The elevated levels of bacteria on the tested elements proves that these locations
need to implement better cleaning protocols on the elements that hosted the most bacteria
to provide a safer environment for their patrons.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT.................................................................................................................................... iii
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES ............................................................................................... vi
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 1
Research Question ......................................................................................................... 1

Research Purpose .......................................................................................................... 1

Background Information .............................................................................................. 1

Hypothesis ...................................................................................................................... 3

REVIEW OF LITERATURE .......................................................................................................... 5

Microbiology Overview................................................................................................. 5

Methodology .................................................................................................................. 5

Past Research Studies ................................................................................................... 6

METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................................................... 9
Apparatus & Materials ................................................................................................. 9

Procedures...................................................................................................................... 9

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .................................................................................................... 14

Data Collected .............................................................................................................. 14

Analysis of Data ........................................................................................................... 18

Discussion ..................................................................................................................... 20

CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................. 24
Summary of Study....................................................................................................... 24

Implications.................................................................................................................. 25

iv
 Limitations ................................................................................................................... 25

Suggestions for Future Research ............................................................................... 26

REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................. 27

v
 LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1. Average Number of Bacterial Colonies in the Dance Studio ............................. 14

Figure 1. Average Number of Bacterial Colonies in the Dance Studio ............................ 14

Table 2. Average Number of Bacterial Colonies in the School ........................................ 15

Figure 2. Average Number of Bacterial Colonies in the School ...................................... 15

Table 3. Average Number of Bacterial Colonies in the Gym Facility.............................. 16

Figure 3. Average Number of Bacterial Colonies in the Gym Facility ............................ 16

Figure 4. Average Number of Bacterial Colonies Across All Facilities........................... 17

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 INTRODUCTION

Research Question

How does the quantitative presence of bacterial colonies found on various

elements in dance studios compare to the number of bacterial colonies found on

comparable elements in a school and gym facility?

Research Purpose

To date, no studies have been conducted to quantitatively compare the number of

bacterial colonies on dance studio elements to comparable elements in a school and gym

facility. The hope of this research is to find which of the tested facilities is host to the

most bacteria in the local community. None of the previous studies have tested any

facilities in the Murfreesboro, Tennessee community. This study will determine the

bacterial counts across elements in the local community which will lead to better cleaning

protocols in highly trafficked facilities. The results of the research will also show whether

dance studios have a higher, lower, or equal presence of bacteria in comparison to a

school and gym facility.

Background Information

Bacteria are grouped into the prokaryotic classification due to their unicellular

structure and lack of membrane-bound organelles. The function and physical structure of

bacteria are varied based on the many unique genetic code sequences that make each

bacterium unique. The first major distinction between types of bacteria is gram negative

versus gram-positive. A gram-positive bacterium has high levels of peptidoglycan and

does not contain an outer cell membrane. This is in direct contrast with a gram-negative

bacterium which has an outer cell membrane and a relatively low level of peptidoglycan

in its outer layer. Secondly, bacteria are separated into five distinct categories based on

their shape: spirilla (spiral), vibrio (comma), bacilli (rod), cocci (spherical), and

spirochetes (corkscrew). In addition to the normal bacteria, there are also bacteria called

endospores. These are a family of bacteria that can survive in severe environments

including those with extreme pH and temperature levels. An example of one of these

locations is on and inside of methane vents on the bottom of the ocean floor.

All bacteria evolved from the bacilli shape billions of years ago, and each shape

now has distinct functions and characteristics. The shape and various other characteristics

can be determined by looking at individual bacterium or bacterial colonies through a

high-powered microscope.

This thesis was originally meant to qualitatively analyze the distinct types of

bacteria at each of the three facilities and then compare them to one another, but this was

not possible due to limited resources and funding. The process involved with

qualitatively analyzing bacteria is based heavily on extensive prior knowledge of

microbiology, but quantitative analysis involves the counting of bacterial colonies in a

microscope. This process is greatly aided by the use of plates that are pre-made with grid

lines which allow for faster and more accurate counting.

There are both helpful and harmful bacteria that are on all surfaces. For example,

a study was conducted in Memphis, Tennessee, and it involved the swabbing of various

surfaces at fitness centers to determine the presence or absence of Staphylococcus aureus.

2
This study determined that the bacteria found on the athletic center surfaces had

quantities of Staphylococcus aureus by using field DNA extraction kits (Mukherjee, Dowd,

Wise, Kedia, Vohra, and Banerjee, 2014). In contrast, there are bacteria that serve as

enzymatic catalysts in the body. These bacteria help break down certain chemicals in

food that would take an exceedingly long time to digest without the help of those

bacteria.

Recently, bacteria have been gaining interest in the media due to their ability to

cause disease. One study from the International Journal of Environmental Health

Research outlines the processes used to collect samples of bacteria and biochemical

markers on public surfaces. Over 1000 public surfaces across the United States were

swabbed periodically to determine if there was a presence of disease-causing agents.

Furthermore, the study looked to determine the transferability of the various agents

across many surfaces. In addition to testing surfaces inside the testing locations,

volunteers were used when evaluating the likelihood that the bacteria found at work

would stay on the hands the entire day and eventually be transferred to surfaces inside of

the volunteers’ homes (Reynolds, Watt, Boone, and Gebra, 2005). The potential damage

that a single bacterium can cause is often overlooked due to its microscopic size, but it

can be a deadly force when coupled with its high transferability rate and rapid replication.

Hypothesis

The barre located at the dance studio will host the highest count of bacterial

colonies due to the frequent hand-to-surface contact coupled with the wide variety of

3
aged people that come into direct contact with this surface on a regular basis and the

various other bodily fluids that come into contact with the barre.

4
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Microbiology Overview

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms and bacteria. This field of

science first developed in the late 1600s in response to the growing epidemics of the

bubonic plague and smallpox across the entire continent of Europe and the invention of

the microscope in the late 1500s (Wallace, 2013). As time progressed, microscopes and

culturing methods used to examine the microscopic organisms and bacteria grew

exceedingly more advanced leading to the modern use of microbiology. This field has

expanded rapidly ever since, branching into many subsections including applied

microbiology, immunology, virology, and many more.

The classification of bacteria has become a science of its own in accordance with

the growth of microbiology. As more bacteria were being discovered, a complex

nomenclature developed. An article by Riggs and Blindermen (n.d) in the American

Society of Microbiology Journal discusses how many of the common bacteria were

named. Furthermore, the article discusses the use of prefixes and suffixes in the

classification of microbes.

Methodology

Microbiological results are classified into two distinct types. The first of which is

called qualitative analysis. This type determines if the bacteria expected on the surface is

what is present (National Science Foundation [NSF], 1997). The second in quantitative

analysis. This determines numerical information. In the case of bacteria, this is measured

5
as the total viable count of bacterial colonies per milliliter of the sample ("Qualitative and

Quantitative Analysis in Microbiology," 2003).

For an experimental design to be good it must include several criterion. The

foremost is the ability to replicate the experiment and receive a similar set of results

(Massachusetts Institute of Technology [MIT], n.d). The experiment must also be run

several times to ensure that the results are valid (Taylor, n.d).

Replicate organism detection and counting (RODAC) plates are used in the

collection of microbiological samples direct from the surface that is being examined.

These plates are similar to petri dishes, but they have a raised area of agar which allows

for direct surface to plate sample collection. The plates also come in several different

forms. The most commonly used is the T RODAC plate which is used in quantitative

analyses to determine the total count of bacteria in a specific area (“Microbial testing

(RODAC),” 2018).

Past Research Studies

There has been extensive research and numerous experiments to determine the

presence of harmful bacteria on various surfaces in public areas. Most of the current

research studies are qualitative analyses used to determine the types of bacteria on public

surfaces, but there are some studies that go a step further to attempt to determine the best

cleaning method or procedure to remove the bacteria.

An experiment conducted by Mukherjee, Dowd, Wise, Kedia, Vohra, & Banerjee

(2014) looks to determine the sanitation levels of fitness centers in Memphis, Tennessee.

6
The researchers looked to determine the microbial diversity of fitness center surfaces of

both bacteria that can and cannot be cultured. The team was able to do this by running a

DNA extraction kit on the swabbed samples very soon after collecting the bacteria. As a

result, multiple types of Staphylococcus bacteria were classified beyond the common

Staphylococcus aureus. The researchers conclude that all surface swab samples contained

microbial DNA, but this was not a surprise due to the constant skin-to-surface interaction

in the fitness centers.

Another study conducted by Reynolds, Watt, Boone, & Gerba, (2005) concluded

that playground surfaces need immediate testing to determine the likelihood of causing

disease in those in contact with the surfaces. In this experiment, over 1000 public

surfaces across the United States were swabbed periodically to determine if there was a

presence of disease-causing agents. The study also looks to determine the transferability

of the various agents across many surfaces. This was done by using a copolymer resin

that could be seen using ultraviolet light. In addition to testing surfaces inside the target

locations, volunteers were used to evaluate the likelihood that the bacteria found at work

would stay on the hands the entire day and eventually be transferred to surfaces inside of

the volunteers’ homes.

Gym facilities are areas that many people think of as dirty or filled with microbes,

but, in reality, many of these facilities already have rigorous cleaning regiments in place.

Tan & Sidhu (2013) explore the efficacy of using disinfectant wipes in the removal of

ATP on various exercise surfaces. This is tested by running a portable ATP monitor over

a specified area before and after the surface is cleaned with the wipes. It is concluded that

7
the wipes currently used are highly effective in the removal of ATP after one usage. This

article does not discuss the cost-effectiveness of using disposable wipes on the surfaces.

Very few studies, comparatively, have been done to determine the amount of

bacteria in dance studios specifically. Most of the studies focused on high-traffic fitness

facilities or public restrooms. A study was conducted by Unsworth, Russell, & Martiny

(2014). This study explores the relationship between Staphylococcus aureus and the

surfaces found in dance studio floors and barres. The researchers cultivated samples of

bacteria found on various surface materials throughout the dance studios, such as the

Marley and vinyl floors and wooden barres. The purpose of this investigation is to

determine quantitatively if the dance studios had a higher concentration of

Staphylococcus aureus than exterior surfaces. The researchers conclude that all surfaces

in the dance studio tested positive for the bacteria.

Newsome, Dubois, & Tenney (2009) argue for further study into whether the

decontamination of materials can reduce the number of outbreaks of MRSA. In addition,

the researchers are suggesting the usage of the ICA TriNova System as a more efficient

and effective method to clean football gear at both the high school and university levels.

They argue that the purchase of one of these systems is more cost efficient due to its

nearly unlimited number of uses which contrasts with the disposable wipes that are

currently being used to eliminate the bacteria. This research was conducted to show how

it can be both economical and practical to remove bacteria from football protective

equipment. In other research, the cost-effectiveness was not divulged for any of the

proposed methods of cleaning the bacteria.

8
 METHODOLOGY

Apparatus & Materials

Luria broth (LB) Agar plates are the most commonly used plates to collect and

facilitate the growth of bacterial cultures. For this experiment, replicate organism

detection and counting (RODAC) plates were used. These plates are very similar in

function to LB Agar plates, but they have a raised area of agar which allows for direct

surface to plate sample collection, eliminating the need for swabbing which can be

inefficient and lead to high levels of error.

Procedures

The agar used in the preparation of the RODAC plates was pre-made by Dr.

Anthony Newsome. This solution was kept on a hotplate ranging between 48℃-50℃

while being agitated with a magnetic stir placed at the bottom of the large beaker. These

measures were taken to ensure that the solution would not solidify prior to being

dispensed into the empty RODAC plates which would have made the solution unusable.

The mouth of the beaker in which the solution was being held was covered by aluminum

foil to protect the agar from any foreign contaminants or bacteria.

The RODAC plates were first carefully removed from the plastic sheath while

ensuring that the lids were not removed to prevent the contamination of the sterile plate

with airborne bacteria. Each plate was filled individually with 11-12 mL of the agar

solution using an electronic pipette. The process was completed by taking the lid off the

plate and steadily pipetting the agar into the plate by holding down the release button of

9
the electronic pipette. This slow and continuous flow of agar helped to avoid the

formation of any air bubbles which would deem the plate unusable. The cover of the plate

was then quickly replaced and taped shut onto the plate to reduce contamination of the

quickly solidifying agar. This process was repeated until the necessary number of plates

was reached, and the tip of the electronic pipette was discarded and replaced after every 3

uses. The plates were then left to solidify at room temperature for 48 hours. Several of the

plates did present with air bubbles following this time, so they were discarded.

10
 Three separate locations were tested, and within those locations, three similar

apparatuses were used as the surfaces to collect samples from. Before testing at the

locations, it was necessary to label the RODAC plates to ensure that there would be no

cross-contamination and minimal error would occur. First, the group of plates was split

into three groups of six plates each. These plates were then labeled according to the

surface and location that they would each be used at. The plates to be used in the dance

studio were labeled with D, those to be used in the school with a S, and those to be used

in the gym facility with a G. The plates to be used at each of these locations were labeled

with a roman numeral next to the letter indicating the location of testing. The I

corresponded to the practice studio floor at the dance facility, a basketball court at the

school, and a walkway at the gym facility. Plates that were used to collect samples from

surfaces often touched by hands were labeled with a II. At the dance facility, this was a

ballet barre. At the school, this was a staircase rail, and at the gym facility, this was a

handle on a workout machine. Lastly, plates were labeled with a III to correspond with a

mirror to be sampled at each of the facilities. Finally, each plate was labeled with either

an “a” or “b” which corresponded to the first or second trial. In total, eighteen plates were

used and given the following designations: DIa, DIb, DIIa, DIIb, DIIIa, DIIIb, SIa, SIb,

SIIa, SIIb, SIIIa, SIIIb, GIa, GIb, GIIa, GIIb, GIIIa, GIIIb.

The first location of testing was at the school where an indoor basketball court,

staircase handrail, and a hallway mirror staircase handrail were sampled. The second

location was at the dance studio where a practice studio Marley floor, ballet barre, and a

mirror inside of the practice studio were sampled. Lastly, the gym facility surfaces that

were sampled were a floor, workout machine handle, and a mirror. These sample
11
collections were done very carefully and with many precautions to keep the plates sterile.

To complete a sampling, the lid of a RODAC plate was taken off, and the agar surface

was immediately pressed firmly against the respective surface that corresponded to the

plate label. The plates were each held directly against the surface for five seconds. It was

especially important to make sure that there was no horizontal movement as this would

have spread the bacteria and lead to falsely high numbers of bacterial colonies. After the

five seconds of sample collection, the plate surfaces were quickly recovered and taped

closed to reduce contamination. This procedure had to be altered slightly at the handrails

at each location because the surfaces were not flat. This sample collection was completed

by using a slow rolling motion across the surface while still ensuring that the surface

touching the handrail did not shift horizontally. Each of these apparatuses was sampled

twice using the corresponding “a” and “b” plate to guarantee that the data collected was

more accurate. Gloves were worn during this process and changed in between every new

plate and collection to expose the agar to a minimal amount of cross-contamination from

other surfaces and plates.

After all collection was complete, the plates were returned to the biology lab at

Middle Tennessee State University to incubate. They incubated at room temperature

(23℃) for approximately 36 hours to allow for bacterial growth before the analysis

began. To quantitatively analyze the collected samples, the number of bacterial colonies

was counted on each individual plate. This task was made easier by the grids engraved

onto the underside of the RODAC plates, but this step needed to be done very carefully to

get accurate results. Each grid was isolated, the bacterial colonies were counted, and this

figure was recorded. This process was repeated with each grid until the entire plate had
12
been counted, and the numbers were then added together to get the total number of

bacterial colonies on each plate. This process was then repeated for all the plates. To

ensure safety, gloves and goggles were always worn while handling the plates.

13
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Data Collected

Table 1. Average Number of Bacterial Colonies in the Dance Studio

The chart above displays the specific colony counts on all three apparatuses and

the average colony counts of each apparatus found in the dance studio.

Figure 1. Average Number of Bacterial Colonies in the Dance Studio

The above graph displays the bacterial colony counts on all apparatuses at the

dance studio. The two colors distinguish between the first and second testing on each

14
apparatus. This graph clearly shows that the dance floor, in comparison to the other two

apparatuses, hosted the most bacteria at the time of testing.

Table 2. Average Number of Bacterial Colonies in the School

The chart above displays the specific colony counts on all three apparatuses and

the average colony counts of each apparatus found in the school.

Figure 2. Average Number of Bacterial Colonies in the School

The above graph displays the bacterial colony counts on all apparatuses at the

school. The two colors distinguish between the first and second testing on each apparatus.

15
This graph shows that the staircase handrail hosted the most bacterial colonies while the

mirror hosted the least at the time of testing.

Table 3. Average Number of Bacterial Colonies in the Gym Facility

The chart above displays the specific colony counts on all three apparatuses and

the average colony counts of each apparatus found in the gym facility.

Figure 3. Average Number of Bacterial Colonies in the Gym Facility

The above graph displays the bacterial colony counts on all apparatuses at the

gym facility. The two colors distinguish between the first and second testing on each

apparatus. This graph shows that the floor and machine handle both hosted relatively

16
large amounts of bacterial colonies in comparison to the mirror which had the least

number of colonies.

Figure 4. Average Number of Bacterial Colonies Across All Facilities

The above graph serves as a visual comparison between the average bacterial

colony counts at each of the tested locations and across each apparatus at the time of

testing. The various colors distinguish between each of the three different locations. This

graph shows that the dance floor had the largest number of bacterial colonies by a

significant amount. In addition, it also shows that the direct hand contact objects

contained a significant number of bacterial colonies while the mirror had the lowest

number of bacterial colonies.

17
Analysis of Data

The data found in this quantitative analysis solely shows the numerical abundance

of bacteria measured in colony counts, not the type of bacteria found at each of these

locations.

The floor at the dance studio contained the highest average number of bacterial

colonies across the two samplings. The first test of this surface led to the observance and

count of 817 bacterial colonies while the second test of this surface led to the observance

and recording of 698 bacterial colonies. When averaged, the result of 757.5 bacterial

colonies was found on the surface of the floor at the dance studio. This surface hosted the

highest number of bacterial colonies by over 700 colonies. The surface with the second

highest amount was the floor at the gym facility with 112.5 colonies.

Although the floor at the dance studio clearly had an exceptionally high average

number of bacterial colonies in comparison to all other apparatuses, the gym facility

contained the highest average number of bacterial colonies on the mirror and direct hand

contact apparatuses across both tests. This high average of bacterial colonies on the floor

at the dance studio is an outlier because on every other apparatus the dance studio

contained the lowest average number of bacterial colonies.

Furthermore, the floor was host to the highest average number of bacterial

colonies for both the gym facility and dance studio. Although, the direct hand contact

object contained the highest average number of bacterial colonies for school. The school

consistently hosted the second highest average number of bacterial colonies across all

testings and apparatuses. In addition, there is a noticeable pattern that the mirrors hosted

18
the least bacteria while the direct-contact object contained the most bacteria for the gym

facility and school, but the outlier of the floor at the dance studio disproved the pattern

for that location.

Lastly, the plate GIa, the first collection sample from the floor at the gym facility,

contained a human hair on the surface. The bacteria did not grow across this hair but

instead multiplied alongside it the entire distance of the plate.

19
Discussion

How does the quantitative presence of bacteria found on various elements in

dance studios compare to the number of bacteria found on various elements in a school

and gym facility? The original hypothesis was that the barre located at the dance studio

would host the highest count of bacterial colonies due to the frequent hand-to-surface

contact coupled with the wide variety of aged people and various bodily fluids that come

into direct contact with this surface on a regular basis. In addition to the varied population

that frequently comes into direct contact with the barre, there are also many airborne

bacteria that can find their way onto the surface. The dance studio is the only location

that frequently contains children who have yet to learn how to properly implement

hygienic practices such as covering the mouth while coughing and washing hands

thoroughly. The dance barre is also more frequently touched by hands than the floor or

mirrors.

This hypothesis was proven incorrect through the collection and quantitative

analysis of the average number of bacterial colonies found on the floor at the dance

studio. This apparatus contained an average of 757.5 bacterial colonies across the two

separate tests. The apparatus with the next highest average was the floor of the gym

facility with 112.5 bacterial colonies. Although the floor at the dance studio hosted the

most bacterial colonies by a significant amount, the barre and mirror at the dance studio

were cleaner in comparison to the comparable elements at the other locations. The

hypothesis was correct in assuming that the location with the most bacteria would be the

dance studio.

20
 The floor at the dance studio hosted a significant amount of bacteria in

comparison to all other apparatuses at all other locations. This high number of bacteria is

most likely due to the direct and frequent contact of the dancers on the surface. During a

dance class, the students can be expected to move across, roll, and lie on the floor during

a routine. All of these actions are done while often sweating due to the intensity of the

motions as well as the close quarters in which many of these activities are carried out. At

a less often rate, dancers can possibly bleed on the floor which spreads bacteria and

allows for bacteria to enter the open wound. There is also a high chance that saliva makes

its way onto the Marley floor at the dance studio. This saliva contains bacteria that is then

spread across the floor as students complete their routines. Overall, this surface

experiences a high frequency of direct-contact actions.

The floor of the dance studio is also home to many of the airborne bacteria that

eventually take refuge on the surface. These bacteria can come from sneezes, coughs, and

other bodily functions. As previously discussed, the coughs and sneezes are often not

suppressed by the smaller children who have yet to learn the proper hygienic practices.

Furthermore, the gym facility hosted the highest levels of bacteria on both the

mirror and direct hand contact object. The level of bacteria on the mirror can be

explained by the close proximity of the dumbbell rack to the tested surface. Customers

will often sweat heavily while working out and then re-rack the weights. The sweat of the

customer will have traveled down the hand onto the dumbbell which is then placed near

the mirror. On the other hand, the machine handle that was tested for the direct hand

contact object is expected to be cleaned after every use by the customer that previously

21
used it. This cleaning does not always occur which leads to a higher level of bacterial

build-up over time.

The school hosted the second highest average number of bacterial colonies on the

direct hand contact object and the mirror, and it hosted the lowest average on the floor.

The lower averages can be explained by the frequent cleaning that occurs on each of the

apparatuses at the school. The floor was represented by the gymnasium floor which is

often swept as to keep large particles off the floor, the direct hand contact object was

represented by a metal staircase railing, and the mirror was one from above a water

fountain in the hallway. This mirror was used instead of a bathroom mirror as to not

introduce the bathrooms which would only be used at this location. Although the school

did have a relatively low average amount of bacterial colonies, the plates had very large

bacterial colonies that covered the surface of the plate. Although the plate was covered

with bacteria, only one colony could be counted. This bacterium is most likely different

from the colonies found at the gym facility and dance studio based on its shape and

coverage, but this is impossible to tell with a qualitative analysis.

The mirrors hosted the lowest number of bacterial colonies on average for all

locations. The highest average number of bacterial colonies was the gym facility with

27.5. This number is lower than all the lowest averages on the other apparatuses. The

mirror hosted the lowest amount of bacteria because there is a minimal amount of

physical contact on the surface. The direct contact is commonly regarded as the easiest

way to transfer bacteria between surfaces. In addition to direct contact, bacteria can also

move through the air, but this method does not concentrate the bacteria in one location of

22
a room. One of the instructors at the dance studio said that the class with toddlers were

usually the only ones to touch the mirrors whatsoever. The collection took place at a level

where the toddlers would have been able to reach, but the number of bacteria was still the

lowest for all the locations.

In summation, the high levels of bacteria on the floor of the dance studio indicate

that it needs to be cleaned more frequently, with different products, or a combination of

the two. The dance barres most likely hosted fewer bacteria due to less frequent use and

more regular cleanings because it is often easier to wipe down a barre in between classes

but very impractical to clean an entire studio floor.

23
 CONCLUSION

Summary of Study

The purpose of this research study was to compare the average number of

bacterial colonies across three similar apparatuses at a dance studio, gym facility, and

school. Each apparatus was sampled twice then the bacteria was incubated at room

temperature for 24 hours to facilitate growth. After this incubation period, the bacteria

were counted using the grid system on RODAC plates. The floor of the dance studio was

host to the highest average number of bacterial colonies at 757.5. This number was

significantly higher than any other apparatus at any of the other locations indicating that

the floor at the dance studio is not being properly or thoroughly cleaned. The direct hand

contact object and mirror both hosted some bacteria, but it was within a reasonable

amount of all the other comparable apparatuses.

The apparatuses at the gym facility all held a fair amount of bacterial colonies.

This is most likely because the people using the equipment are expected to wipe down

the machinery after they use it. Sometimes people do not clean the equipment or do not

clean it properly, leading to a buildup of bacterial colonies on the floor, machine handles

or mirrors.

On the other hand, the school was host to very little bacteria, comparatively. This

is most likely due to the more regular cleaning schedule and the dedicated staff used to

complete this task.

24
 It is unknown whether the bacterial colonies found on any of these surfaces were

harmful due to the restricted scope of this research being only to a quantitative analysis

rather than a qualitative one.

Implications

The elements that contained the most bacteria were the gym facility elements in

addition to the floor at the dance studio. These elements need to be cleaned more

frequently, with different products, or a combination of the two to ensure that the users of

the equipment and locations’ facilities will be healthy. If these locations were not to be

cleaned, then one of the patrons could become ill due to the high number of bacteria in a

concentrated location.

Limitations

While planning and completing the research and methodology, several things led

to the scope of this project being altered. The first of which was the lack of resources

necessary to complete the originally intended qualitative analysis of the bacteria. This

process was deemed not possible by Dr. Anthony Newsome due to the lack of funds and

time allocated for this project. A qualitative analysis would have provided the type of

bacteria located on each surface to help differentiate between the harmful and helpful

bacteria. Secondly, the current cleaning protocols and schedules of each of the three

tested locations were not known at the time of testing. This led to the collection of

bacteria being one day after the cleaning of the dance studio while that same timing did

not remain constant in the other two locations.

25
Suggestions for Future Research

The current cleaning protocols of the three tested locations were not discussed

within the scope of this research, so that is a possible avenue for future exploration. The

effectiveness of products in addition to the cleaning schedule could be analyzed to help

develop a better and more efficacious cleaning routine that keeps all surfaces clean and

all customers healthy. Furthermore, if money and time are available it would be very

beneficial to see the kinds of bacteria that lie on the surface of each of the tested elements

at a dance studio, gym facility, and school.

26
 REFERENCES

Chapter 4 Analyzing Qualitative Data. (n.d.). Retrieved from

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