The laboratory of Microorgasms and Food Irradiation was established in January 2009 in order to conduct research in microorganisms contaminated food and environment. Research program, realized in collaboration with national and international laboratories, is divided into two areas:
Food irradiation and analysis of cyanobacteria, fungi and their associated toxins. Food irradiation is a technology for controlling spoilage and eliminating food-borne pathogens, such as salmonella. Research on irradiated food has been initiated at the laboratory since the beginning of 2011 using Cobalt-60 gamma irradiators. The purpose of this area is to study the effect of ionizing radiation on food products particularly those of economic importance to Lebanon in order to improve the microbiological quality and increase food safety.and to reduce the economic loss resulting from food deterioration. Mycotoxins are toxic fungal metabolites that contaminate various agricultural products, either pre- or post- harvest. They threaten the safety of food and can cause serious health effects in humans. Early detection and control of mycotoxin producing species is crucial to prevent its entering into the food chain and it is a useful tool in disease management practices. The laboratory is interested in mycotoxin research especially ochratoxin A, aflatoxins/ sterigmatocystins, patulin and zearalenone. Research activities include:

• i) Determination of mycotoxins in different food commoditie like dairy products, apple, cereals, etc..
• ii) Microbial decontamination of mycotoxins and
• iii) Development of molecular methods for differentiation and detection of mycotoxigenic fungi

Toxic blooms of cyanobacteria (blue green algae) have become a frequent phenomenon in eutrophic lakes and reservoirs throughout the world due to the public health risks, negative impacts on ecological and economical aspects. Since 2009, toxic blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa and Aphanizomenon ovalusporum have been detected for the first time in Lake Karaoun. The laboratory of Microorganisms and Food Irradiation carry out research work intended to management strategy for managing cyanobacteria and the overall lake quality. Current works in the laboratory include:

• Ecophysiological study of cyanobacteria: factors affecting their proliferation and toxins production
• Development of monitoring program of the toxic cyanobacterial blooms by in situ physico-chemical parameters measurements
• Establishment of an operational mathematical modeling of the dynamics of phytoplankton activity

Microcystis Aeruginosa

Aphanizomenon Ovalusporum