Evaluation Of Aspergillus Nigerin In Zea Mays (Maize) And Sorghuevaluation Of Aspergillus Nigerin In Zea Mays (Maize) And Sorghum Bicolor (Guinea Corn) In Katsina Central Market

Abstract

This study was carried out to isolate moulds and detect Aflatoxin in maize and guinea corn sold in Katsina Market. A total of ten (10) samples of maize and guinea corn each were collected from five different vendorsin the market and subjected to mould isolation, Aflatoxin extraction and characterization of the toxin type using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). The result revealed that some of the maize and guinea corn sold in Katsina contain fungi. The results indicated that 20% of the maize and guinea corn samples were infested with fungi and 80% were not infested with fungi. The research showed that some grain samples were contaminated with molds but with the satisfactory and marginal limit. The presence of these fungi in grains is an indication of possible health hazards as some species of Aspergillus are known to cause food intoxication and food poisoning.

Keywords: Aflatoxin, fungi, Maize, Moulds and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)