Assessment Of Fungal Contaminants In Selected Grains Sold In Markets Within Minna, Niger State
1
Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Minna, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1155
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
This study assessed fungal contamination in stored millet, rice, and corn from three major markets (Kure, Bosso, and Tunga) in Minna, Niger State, due to its implications for food safety, economic losses, and human and animal health.
METHODS:
A total of 45 grain samples (15 each of millet, rice, and corn) were collected and evaluated using standard microbiological techniques. Samples were prepared, serially diluted, and cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA). After incubation at 28±2°C for 48-72 hours, fungal colonies were counted as colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g). Fungal isolates were identified based on their morphological and microscopic characteristics.
RESULTS:
The highest overall mean fungal counts were found in corn (30.4±3.21×101 CFU/g), followed by rice (28.9±2.22×101 CFU/g) and millet (14.6±2.11×101 CFU/g). The most common fungal species identified were Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus, A. flavus, Fusarium spp., Rhizopus spp., and Mucor spp. Fungal loads varied significantly (p < 0.05) among millet samples, with Tunga Market having the highest mean count (22.2±2.44×101 CFU/g). In contrast, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the fungal loads of corn and rice across the markets.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study reveals significant levels of fungal contamination and a wide diversity of fungal species in stored grains from the assessed markets. These findings underscore the critical need for effective monitoring and mitigation strategies to enhance food safety and protect public health.
This study assessed fungal contamination in stored millet, rice, and corn from three major markets (Kure, Bosso, and Tunga) in Minna, Niger State, due to its implications for food safety, economic losses, and human and animal health.
METHODS:
A total of 45 grain samples (15 each of millet, rice, and corn) were collected and evaluated using standard microbiological techniques. Samples were prepared, serially diluted, and cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA). After incubation at 28±2°C for 48-72 hours, fungal colonies were counted as colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g). Fungal isolates were identified based on their morphological and microscopic characteristics.
RESULTS:
The highest overall mean fungal counts were found in corn (30.4±3.21×101 CFU/g), followed by rice (28.9±2.22×101 CFU/g) and millet (14.6±2.11×101 CFU/g). The most common fungal species identified were Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus, A. flavus, Fusarium spp., Rhizopus spp., and Mucor spp. Fungal loads varied significantly (p < 0.05) among millet samples, with Tunga Market having the highest mean count (22.2±2.44×101 CFU/g). In contrast, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the fungal loads of corn and rice across the markets.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study reveals significant levels of fungal contamination and a wide diversity of fungal species in stored grains from the assessed markets. These findings underscore the critical need for effective monitoring and mitigation strategies to enhance food safety and protect public health.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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