scholarly journals Multi-mycotoxins and Fungal Contaminants of Wheat from Anambra State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amechi Oyeka ◽  
Rose Amasiani
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Yeast Species ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Cryptococcus Laurentii ◽  
Fungal Metabolites ◽  
Trichothecene Mycotoxin ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Fungal Isolates ◽  
Agricultural Produce ◽  
Fungal Contaminants

This study was carried out to determine the fungal and mycotoxins contamination of 36 Wheat (Triticum aestivium) samples purchased randomly from the seller of the agricultural produce in local markets of Anambra State, Nigeria. Results from the studies showed that two hundred and three fungal isolates consisting of 18 species of moulds and 5 species of yeasts contaminated the wheat samples at varying degrees. For moulds, Aspergillus species contaminated the samples  mostly with (28) isolates followed by Penicillum species (19) isolates while Verticillium species and Cladosporium species had equal least contaminations with (3) isolates each. Among the yeast species, Candida rugosahad the highest number of contamination with (37) isolates followed by Cryptococcus laurentii (31) isolates while Candida stellatoides (9) isolates had the least contamination. Twenty-four fungal metabolites were also recovered. The concentration of trichothecene mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (2067µg/kg), a protein synthesis and cell proliferation inhibitor in animals exceeded the maximum acceptable limits for human consumption. It can be deduced therefore that wheat circulating in Anambra State, Nigeria are variously contaminated with different xerophilic moulds and mycotoxins which can exert adverse health problems to consumers. Keyword: Wheat samples, fungal contaminants, multi-mycotoxins and market zones

ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS LEVELS IN SOIL AND VEGETABLES IN THE VICINITY OF UNLINED WASTE DUMPSITE IN NNEWI, ANAMBRA STATE NIGERIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
C.C. Aralu ◽  
P.A.C. Okoye
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
High Mobility ◽  
Control Site ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Transfer Factors ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Control Samples

Unlined waste dumpsites are known to generate pollutants in the environment where they are located. This study investigates the pollutant load of unlined dumpsite by assessing the heavy metals levels of soil and vegetables in and around the waste dumpsite. 16 samples (study samples and control) for each soil and vegetable samples (Telfairia occidentalis, Talinum triangulare and Amaranthus hydridus) were collected respectively during wet season. The levels of 10 heavy metals were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric method. The highest and lowest heavy metals concentrations in the study sample site for vegetables ranged from 11.5 mg/kg – 0.01 mg/kg, while 7.79 mg/kg - 0.00 mg/kg was analysed for control site. The soil heavy metals values ranged from 13.1 mg/kg – 0.28 mg/kg for study samples, while 7.45 mg/kg – 0.02 mg/kg for control site. The study samples heavy metal results for vegetables and soil were higher than the control samples, which was attributed to high mobility of metal ions as a result of its closeness to the dumpsite through leaching. The total transfer factors ranged from 3.89 – 3.01 for study samples and 3.46 – 2.75 for control samples. The study samples were higher than the control site due to high levels of soil contaminations. The vegetables samples showed high levels of heavy metals, which were above WHO/FAO limits. The risk index range of 16.015 – 14.551 for study samples, and 6.821 – 5.761 for control samples from the extrapolated vegetable results, revealed that the vegetables collected from both sites were above the critical value of 1. The vegetables are unfit for human consumption and can cause non-cancer health risks to the populace who consume them. A proper refuse disposal system in and around the residential areas should be adopted. Routine monitoring of heavy metals in such plants to prevent excessive accumulation of the metals in the food chain is also advocated.

scholarly journals Physicochemical and Microbial Evaluation of Selected Residential Borehole Water Samples in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 132-139
Author(s):  
Victor Henry Azubuike Enemor ◽  
Precious Ebuka Okeke ◽  
Uchechukwu Chibuzo Ogbodo
Keyword(s):  
Water Samples ◽  
Ph Value ◽  
Enterobacter Aerogenes ◽  
Physicochemical Analysis ◽  
Total Hardness ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Borehole Water

Water is very important to the existence of humans though could also serve as vehicle for pathogenic organisms and dangerous organic and inorganic matters. The physicochemical and microbial analyses of selected borehole water samples in Awka residential areas were conducted with the aim of ascertaining suitability or otherwise for human consumption. The total hardness, pH, alkalinity, some common elements and presence of toxic metals were determined by standard methods of American Public Health Association. The presence of microorganisms in the water samples was also determined. Results of the physicochemical analysis of the borehole water samples showed a mean pH value of 5.52 below the WHO standard of 6.5 - 8.5 and mean total hardness of 150 ppm greater than the WHO standard of 70 ppm. The microelements such as manganese, zinc, lead, selenium, nickel and cadmium were found to be below detectable levels in the water samples. Five bacteria species were isolated and identified in the water samples as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The physicochemical properties and the bacteria load of most of the water samples indicate that they were unfit for human consumption as the samples were outside WHO reference standard for potable water suggesting a need for increased awareness for improved sanitation and hygiene practices in the state.

Fungal metabolites diversity in maize and associated human dietary exposures relate to micro-climatic patterns in Malawi

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Matumba ◽  
M. Sulyok ◽  
M. Monjerezi ◽  
T. Biswick ◽  
R. Krska
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Dietary Exposure ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Cool Temperature ◽  
Fungal Metabolites ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Daily Intakes ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

This study investigated the diversity of fungal metabolites in maize across four agro-ecological zones of Malawi. A total of 90 maize samples (for human consumption), collected from farmsteads, were analysed for 235 fungal metabolites using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 65 metabolites were found in the samples. 75% of samples from the hottest agro-ecological zone contained either aflatoxins, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone; or a combination thereof in levels exceeding European Union (EU) maximum levels, whereas the related fraction was only 17% in the cool temperature zone. Aflatoxins, citrinin, 3-nitropropionic acid, monocerin and equisetin were most prevalent and in higher levels in samples from hot agro-ecological zones, whereas deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, zearalenone and aurofusarin were most prevalent in cool agro-ecologies. On the basis of per-capita maize consumption, estimated daily intakes for all samples from hot ecologies were well above the JECFA's provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) of 2.0 μg/kg body weight (bw)/day for fumonisins, whereas the PMTDI of 1.0 μg/kg bw/day for deoxynivalenol was exceeded in relatively more (90%) samples from the cool highlands than the other zones. These results demonstrate the influence of micro-climatic conditions on mycotoxin prevalence patterns and underscores the need for development of agro-ecological specific mycotoxin dietary exposure management strategies.

scholarly journals Fungal Contaminants and Mycotoxins in Nuts

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Mirabile ◽  
Patrizia Bella ◽  
Antonio Vella ◽  
Vincenzo Ferrantelli ◽  
Livio Torta
Keyword(s):  
Animal Health ◽  
Fungal Metabolites ◽  
First Results ◽  
Carcinogenic Effects ◽  
Fungal Contaminants ◽  
Different Origins

Contamination by fungi and mycotoxins in nuts has achieved much attention in recent years. In fact, the fungal metabolites produced by the species of Aspergillus, Penicillium (aflatoxins and ochratoxins), Fusarium (trichothecenes, zearalenones and fumonisins) and Alternaria (alternariotoxins) with toxic and/or carcinogenic effects are considered a threat to human and animal health. In this chapter we will discuss the main fungal taxa and related mycotoxins most frequently associated with these materials. In this regard, the first results on the level of contamination by fungi and mycotoxins in samples of almonds and pistachios of different origins will be reported. The main strategies to reduce the risk of contamination will also be recommended.

scholarly journals Physico-chemical and Bacteriological Survey of Household Water Supplies in Selected Communities in Anambra State, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. O. Nwajinka ◽  
E. C. Nwanna ◽  
K. N. Ogbu
Keyword(s):  
The State ◽  
World Health ◽  
Total Hardness ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Water Supplies ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Household Water

Physico-chemical and bacteriological characteristics of borehole water in seven communities in Anambra State were investigated to ascertain their portability and evaluate their pollution levels for household consumption. Obtained sample results were compared with threshold values reported by World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water purposes. Study results show that values for total hardness, lead, copper, zinc, iron and coliform count exceeded the WHO thresholds and as such made this resource unfit for human consumption. It is recommended that the state water board be revamped and its branches established in all communities of the state to ensure regulation and control of the water household water supplies.

scholarly journals Gis-Based Multi Criteria Model for Location of Rice Aggregation Centers in Anambra State

2021 ◽  
pp. 103-116
Author(s):  
C. D. Okpala ◽  
J. I. Igbokwe ◽  
C. O. Nwajinka ◽  
E. C. Igbokwe ◽  
J. I. Ubah
Keyword(s):  
The State ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Complete Analysis ◽  
Decision Tool ◽  
Gis Technology ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Rice Farmers ◽  
Cost Distance ◽  
Agricultural Produce ◽  
Selection Of

Rice aggregation centers are tasked with checkmating substandard agricultural produce that are often encountered by the integrated millers during the course of buying from farm to farm to ensure already made market for their produce. Thus, it must be well placed to occupy strategic positions such that all different rice cultivating zones of the state get access to the facility. Given that these facilities will provide salient services, sets of demand points tasked with the provision storage, processing capability and a constant market for various rice farmers within the state. It is pertinent that these facilities are located properly considering all unique factors on ground. This study therefore aimed at a GIS-based multi criteria model for location of rice aggregation centers in Anambra State. The study was carried out using Geographical Information System (GIS) technology. Several GIS thematic layers were obtained and considered important factors in citing rice aggregation centers such as road network, Land Use and Land Cover (LULC), slope, river, cost distance, electricity network, floodplains, erosion plains and proximity to rice farms. It revealed optimal locations for siting a modular aggregation rice center at Nzam, Onoia, Aguleri, Nando, Akenu, Achalla, Ezira, Ndiokpalaeze, Ogbakuma and Uli. The goal throughout this study was to provide a reliable and complete analysis of siting modular rice aggregation centers in the agricultural zones in Anambra State. The approach and results obtained in this study are recommended as a spatial decision tool for site selection of modular rice aggregation centers in developing countries.

scholarly journals Extracellular Heme Proteins Influence Bovine Myosatellite Cell Proliferation and the Color of Cell-Based Meat

Foods ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Simsa ◽  
John Yuen ◽  
Andrew Stout ◽  
Natalie Rubio ◽  
Per Fogelstrand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Heme Proteins ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Efficient Production ◽  
Produce Cell ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
3D Printed

Skeletal muscle-tissue engineering can be applied to produce cell-based meat for human consumption, but growth parameters need to be optimized for efficient production and similarity to traditional meat. The addition of heme proteins to plant-based meat alternatives was recently shown to increase meat-like flavor and natural color. To evaluate whether heme proteins also have a positive effect on cell-based meat production, bovine muscle satellite cells (BSCs) were grown in the presence of hemoglobin (Hb) or myoglobin (Mb) for up to nine days in a fibrin hydrogel along 3D-printed anchor-point constructs to generate bioartificial muscles (BAMs). The influence of heme proteins on cell proliferation, tissue development, and tissue color was analyzed. We found that the proliferation and metabolic activity of BSCs was significantly increased when Mb was added, while Hb had no, or a slightly negative, effect. Hb and, in particular, Mb application led to a very similar color of BAMs compared to cooked beef, which was not noticeable in groups without added heme proteins. Taken together, these results indicate a potential benefit of adding Mb to cell culture media for increased proliferation and adding Mb or Hb for the coloration of cell-based meat.

Responses of 2 epiphytic yeasts to foliar infection by Rhizoctonia solani or mechanical wounding on the phylloplane of tall fescue

2009 ◽  
Vol 55 (10) ◽  
pp. 1160-1165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Nix ◽  
Leon L. Burpee ◽  
James W. Buck
Keyword(s):  
Rhizoctonia Solani ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
Yeast Species ◽  
Leaf Tissue ◽  
Rhodotorula Glutinis ◽  
Cryptococcus Laurentii ◽  
Mechanical Wounding ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Phylloplane Yeasts

A growth-chamber experiment was conducted to determine how foliar disease or wounding affects the ability of 2 phylloplane yeasts ( Rhodotorula glutinis and Cryptococcus laurentii ) to colonize leaves of tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea ). Yeasts were applied separately and together onto healthy leaves, leaves infected with Rhizoctonia solani (diseased), and mechanically bruised (wounded) leaves. In all 3 trials, the leaf disturbance treatment significantly affected the abundance of yeast on the phylloplane of tall fescue. Yeast abundance on the diseased or wounded leaves was significantly greater than on the nontreated, healthy leaves. In 2 of the 3 trials, the yeast species applied also had a significant affect on yeast abundance. Typically, R. glutinis was significantly more abundant than C. laurentii when applied individually, but not significantly greater than the total yeast colony-forming units of the co-inoculated treatment. When the 2 yeasts were co-inoculated onto the leaves, R. glutinis comprised 89.7%, 75.4%, and 67.6% of the recovered yeast colony-forming units on healthy, diseased, and wounded leaves, respectfully. Our data suggest that these 2 species of yeasts will differentially colonize compromised leaf tissue with disease or wounds favoring populations of R. glutinis over C. laurentii.

scholarly journals ESTABLISHMENT OF IRRIGATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE MARKETING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 238-246
Author(s):  
Ohazulike Atuchukwu ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Theory ◽  
Survey Research ◽  
Water Flow ◽  
State Government ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Agricultural Products ◽  
Related Literature ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Agricultural Produce ◽  
Specific Objective

The study examined establishment of irrigations for effective marketing of agricultural produce. The specific objective is to ensure that irrigations established are providing water flow over lands for nourishing crops among others. Research question is to what extent do irrigations cause water flow over lands for nourishing crops among others. Research hypothesis is, there is no significant relationship between irrigations and causing water to flow over lands for nourishing crops among others. Review of related literature had insight at facilitating institutions in the marketing of agricultural products. The economic theory was propounded by Han and Mathews (1966); which was discussed. Empirical review was stated. Survey research design was embraced. Area of the study was Ekpe farm settlement at Ihiala, Ihiala local government area, Anambra state, Nigeria. Population of the study was farmers in Ekpe farm settlement. The sample size was 215 but 206 copies of questionnaire were used and duly filled. Two point likert scale of questioning was adopted. Discussion of the study was based on establishment of irrigations for effective marketing of agricultural produce. The study concluded that establishment of irrigations and effective marketing of agricultural produce. The study recommends that federal or state government is expected to establish irrigations for the farmers among others.

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