Total Fungi Research Articles

Plant roots are more strongly linked to microorganisms in leaf litter rather than in soil across tropical land-use systems

Tropical soil microorganisms are major recyclers of the biosphere organic carbon. However, the link of tropical microorganisms to the two main pathways of how carbon enters the belowground system, i.e., plant roots and leaf litter, is poorly understood. To investigate the relative importance of these pathways, we studied the response of microorganisms in leaf litter and underlying topsoil to root trenching (exclusion of living roots) and litter removal in tropical rainforests, and how this is altered by rainforest conversion to rubber and oil palm plantations. Unexpectedly, the linkage between living roots and microbial biomass was stronger in litter than in soil across land-use types, indicating that tropical trees prioritize mining for nutrients in leaf litter rather than in soil. After trenching, microbial biomass and basal respiration in leaf litter decreased by 32% and 38%, respectively, whereas microbial biomass and basal respiration remained unchanged in soil. However, fatty acid profiles indicated that root trenching decreased the proportion of total and mycorrhizal fungi in soil, with the effect on mycorrhizal fungi being especially strong when litter was present. Litter removal neither significantly affected microbial biomass nor community structure in soil, suggesting compartmentalization of carbon processing between litter and soil. Overall, the results suggest that across tropical land-use types root-derived resources shape microorganisms in soil and litter via different pathways, with litter microbial communities relying heavily on root-derived carbon, whereas microbial communities in soil being structured predominantly by long-term factors related to land-use history.

Study of Soil Biological Properties in Producing Plants and Immature Plants of Oil Palm in Aek Nabara Utara Plantation PTPN III

The maintenance of soil fertility stability and soil health heavily relies on the biological properties of the soil. This study aims to investigate the biological properties of soil in immature plantations (TBM III) and mature plantations (TM 18) located in Aek Nabara Utara Plantation PTPN III, Bilah Hulu District, Labuhanbatu Regency. The research methodology employed survey and descriptive methods to analyze various parameters. The parameters measured in this study include C-Organic (%), Soil Respiration (mg/CO2), Total Microbes (CFU/ml), and Total Fungi (CFU/ml). The research findings indicate increased microbes, fungi, and respiration from immature plants (TBM III) to mature plants (TM 18). This increase can be attributed to environmental factors. Numerous ground cover plants at the research site facilitate the growth and reproduction of microbes and fungi. As the number of microbes and fungi increases, so does the respiration rate.

Evaluation of Fungal Diversity in Water and Sediment, AgbaNdele Segment, Sombriero River, Rivers State

This study was carried out between September and December, 2022 in Sombriero river to assess the water and sediment quality using fungal load and diversity. Water and sediment samples collected were analysed in the laboratory for fungi using standard method of APHA and the obtained data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that Total fungi in water (Tfw) and sediment (TFs) ranged from 1.0x101 to 1.4x102cfu/ml and 1.0x101 to 1.7x102cfu/g with the overall mean values of 114.37±35.397 cfu/ml and 168.44±358.999 cfu/g respectively. Spatial mean values of TFw and TFs varies significantly at p<0.05 with station 3 higher than all other stations. TFw and TFs values exhibited non-seasonality and seasonality respectively at p<0.05. The total of 5 and 6 fungal species observed in the water and sediment samples included Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus oligospora, Pennicilium species, Mucoccus caris and Micrococcus caris with Fusarium solani absent in water. The values of diversity indices varied spatially with Simpson’s dominance index (D) of fungi in water ranging between 0.2503 and 0.6428 while that of sediment ranged from 0.255 to 0.609. Based on the fungal load, diversity index and some pathogenic species the water is therefore under stress/threat. There is need to regulate the anthropogenic activities in the area to avoid further discharge of wastes capable of causing further pollution of the area.

Effect of antifungal botanical extracts on seed-borne fungi prevalence and germination of Terminalia ivorensis seeds in Ghana

The use of synthetic fungicides for the management of seed-borne pathogens are detrimental to human health and the environment. In view of this research was conducted to assess the effect of antifungal botanical extracts (garlic, neem and Senna alata) on seed-borne fungi prevalence and seed germination of Terminalia ivorensis seeds. Two major seed-borne fungi of two genera namely Aspergillus niger and Colletotrichum sp. were isolated from the seeds. There was a hundred percent incidence of seed-borne fungi infection of Terminalia ivorensis seeds. Aspergillus niger was predominant with an incidence of 91.7% while Colletotrichum sp. had an incidence of 8.3%. There were significant differences between treatments with respect to total seed-borne fungi prevalence. Seeds treated with Senna alata aqueous extract showed the highest 100.0% prevalence of total seed-borne fungi followed by seeds treated with neem (75.0%) whilst seeds treated with aqueous garlic extract recorded the least (8.3%) total seed-borne fungi prevalence. The highest (100.0%) prevalence of Aspergillus niger was recorded by seeds treated with Senna alata whilst the least (8.3%) recorded in seeds treated with garlic. Colletotrichum sp. was only prevalent on seed treated with Mancozeb 80% WP at 8.3%. Significant variations were observed between treatments regarding germination percentages of Terminalia ivorensis seeds. Seeds treated with garlic extract recorded the highest (50.0%) germination percentage whilst the lowest (21.7%) recorded by Senna alata. Treating forest tree seeds with garlic extract before sowing could inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens and therefore improve germination.

Microecological Shifts in the Rhizosphere of Perennial Large Trees and Seedlings in Continuous Cropping of Poplar.

The cultivation of poplar trees is hindered by persistent cropping challenges, resulting in reduced wood productivity and increased susceptibility to soil-borne diseases. These issues primarily arise from alterations in microbial structure and the infiltration of pathogenic fungi. To investigate the impact on soil fertility, we conducted an analysis using soil samples from both perennial poplar trees and three successive generations of continuously cropped poplar trees. The quantity and community composition of bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere were assessed using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The objective of this study is to elucidate the impact of continuous cropping challenges on soil fertility and rhizosphere microorganisms in poplar trees, thereby establishing a theoretical foundation for investigating the mechanisms underlying these challenges. The study found that the total bacteria in the BT group is 0.42 times higher than the CK group, and the total fungi is 0.33 times lower than the CK group. The BT and CK groups presented relatively similar bacterial richness and diversity, while the indices showed a significant (p < 0.05) higher fungal richness and diversity in the CK group. The fractions of Bacillus were 2.22% and 2.41% in the BT and CK groups, respectively. There was a 35.29% fraction of Inocybe in the BT group, whereas this was barely observed in the CK group. The fractions of Geopora were 26.25% and 5.99%, respectively in the BT and CK groups. Modifying the microbial community structure in soil subjected to continuous cropping is deemed as the most effective approach to mitigate the challenges associated with this agricultural practice.

Composting of Rice Straw–Based Materials using Aerobic Bioactivator Isolated from Rice Straw, Mahogany Bark and Cassava Peels

Compost is one of organic fertilizers that play an important role in maintaining soil health and supporting sustainable agriculture. Diverse aspects could be developed to increase the quality of compost. This study aims to compare the quality of compost produced by using two different bioactivators, namely aerobic bioactivator RMC (the microbial consortia isolated from composted rice straw, mahogany bark and cassava peels + additional supplement) and fermentative bioactivator (EM4 + molasses) in the composting of the mainly rice straw-based materials. Composting was conducted using a single factor completely randomized design consisting of five levels as follows: C0 (control, rice straw); C1 (rice straw + bioactivator EM4 + molasses); C2 (rice straw + bioactivator RMC + additional supplement); C3 (rice straw + cow dung + bioactivator RMC + additional supplement); C4 (leaf litter + cow dung + bioactivator RMC + additional supplement, as comparison treatment with no rice straw). Among the treatments of C0, C1 and C2, composting the same rice straw material but different bioactivators, C2 showed the highest compost quality and decomposition rate. Among the other three treatments of C2, C3 and C4 composting different materials but using the same bioactivator, C3 showed the highest compost quality, but the three treatments showed the same high decomposition rate. Based on the characteristics of the compost product, including nutrient content, the treatment C3 produced the highest quality, followed by C4 and then C2. Both bioactivators EM4 + molasses and RMC+ additional supplement tended to increase total bacteria, fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria and phosphate-solubilizing microbiota in the compost products compared to the control without bioactivator. A set of aerobic bioactivator RMC plus additional supplement serve as one strategy to accelerate the composting process and to enhance the compost quality.

Production and Biochemical, Phytochemical, Sensory, and Microbiological Characterization of “Bili-Bili” and “Cochette,” Two Traditional Beers Produced from Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and Rice (Oryza sativa)

“Bili-bili” and “cochette” are two traditional beers made from sorghum and rice, respectively. Despite the socioeconomical interest of these drinks, limited studies have been conducted to elucidate their quality and safety. To fill these gaps, the quality features and the safety status of both beers were assessed. After a reasoned field survey, the samples from various locations in Maroua were collected and analysed using referenced methods. The field survey revealed that both beers were produced under unsanitary conditions using rudimentary procedures. Mean values of pH (2.99 and 3.58), TTA (1.1 and 0.9%), alcohol (3.8 and 2.5%), DM (6.4 and 11.1%), TSS (6.94 and 6.18 °Brix), proteins (0.54 and 0.71 g/100 mL), amino acids (0.30 and 0.38 g/100 mL), and ash (1.52 and 0.51%) were recorded in “bili-bili” and “cochette,” respectively. Similarly, the TPC, TFC, and carotenoid content of 325.5 and 352.4 mgGAE/100 mL, 314.4 and 278.9 mgQE/100 mL, and 95.4 and 89.4 mg/100 mL were noted in both beers, respectively. “Bili-bili” and “cochette” exhibited free radical scavenging activity of 42.4 and 36.7% and reducing power of 87.3 and 119.5 mgTE/100 mL, respectively. Overall acceptability ratings ranged from 5.6 to 7.5 and from 6.7 to 6.9 for “bili-bili” and “cochette,” respectively. No pathogen was detected, but the presence of total aerobic bacteria, fungi, coliforms, and aerobic spore-forming bacteria flora above the recommended limits made both beers unsafe and potentially harmful for consumers. Given all above, improving of the production scheme and microbiological quality of the two traditional beers are required to ensure the safety of consumers.

Physicochemical Quality of Oyster Mushroom for Functional Food

This article presents studies on the physicochemical quality of oyster mushrooms grown within a housing and controlled by the Internet of Things (IoT). The goals of this study were to assess (1) the impact of indoor air quality on the growth and quality of mushrooms and (2) the antioxidant content of oyster mushrooms. In this study, the air temperature and humidity of oyster mushroom house per unit time was recorded and controlled automatically by an IoT system. Additionally, their physicochemical and microbiological quality were evaluated using physico-analytical instruments, and the potency of their ergothioneine (EGT) content was investigated using the HPLC method. The temperature of the air inside was between 29 and 35 °C, and the relative humidity was between 60% and 90%. The average texture of mushroom is soft. The average length, width, and height of the fresh mushroom were 41.5 mm, 60.0 mm, and 29.5 mm, respectively. The microbiological test confirmed that there was no salmonella infection in the collected mushrooms. The button-stage mushrooms have less total fungus than the bloom-stage mushrooms. The extraction standard method employs an EGT content of 0.674 mg/g as determined by chromatography data analysis. The oyster mushrooms can be consumed as a healthy meal, and the study of EGT showed also very prospective as one of immunotherapeutic food. Keywords: Ergothioneine, Fibre-reinforced plastic house, Internet of think, Oyster mushrooms

Black pepper pathogen suppression: Divergent rhizosphere fungal communities of healthy and diseased plants yield new insights for orchard management in Vietnam

Complex interactions involving soil physicochemical parameters and plant-associated microbial communities determine crop health. In Vietnam, this process is poorly understood in the context of black pepper production. Specifically, there is a dearth of information for improving the suppression of pathogenic fungi. Understanding the environmental dynamics influencing the distribution of these pathogens would facilitate the development and use of biological agents in black pepper pathogen management. Here, the molecular profiles of fungal communities from the rhizosphere of healthy and unhealthy Vietnamese black pepper orchards and their relationships were determined. Additionally, co-occurrence analyses with a previously constructed bacterial dataset identified taxa indicative of soil suppression. Alpha diversity of total fungi was influenced by only environmental factors, while that of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was more responsive to orchard health state. Glomus sp., Rhizophagus sp., Purpureocillium sp. and Plectosphaerella sp. were the most responsive genera to orchard health state. Potential fungal pathogens were more prevalent in the unhealthy orchards. Co-occurrence network analyses revealed that unhealthy orchards were less connected, had longer path distance and were missing putative pathogen-to-biocontrol interactions common in the healthy orchards. Soil electrical conductivity and potassium may be key factors in differentiating fungal communities of unhealthy from healthy orchards. This work highlights important microbial species and environmental considerations critical to improved black pepper management strategies.

Yenilenebilir Kaynaklardan Elde Edilen Doğal Liflerin Biyodegradasyon Özellikleri

The interest in natural fibres in non – textile applications has increased as a result of the search for new renewable materials. Especially attractive for environmental safety demands are biodegradable and renewable fibres such as lignocellulose fibres and biopolymers such as PLA.&#x0D; The analysis of their biodegradation is often taken as a standard measure for environmentally friendly textile materials. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to investigate the biodegradation properties of Jute and PLA fibres by soil burial test. The fibres were exposed to the farmland soil for 11 days. The efficiency of the biodegradability was determined by comparison of mass loss, mechanical properties (finesses and tenacity) and morphological analysis by SEM microscope. With the purpose of a better understanding of biodegradation, the number of total fungi and bacteria in the soil is also determined.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Peppermint Extract on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota, Liver and Intestine Histopathology of Cyprinus carpio

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Mentha piperita methanolic extract (MPE) on Cyprinus carpio intestinal microbiota, including total microorganisms gram-negative bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and fungi count. Liver and intestinal histopathology, and the activity of liver enzymes, were also used to evaluate the possible side effects of MPE. A total of 96 healthy C. carpio fries (76.76±20.26 g) were allocated to four treatment groups with three replications in a completely randomized design. The fries were fed with diets containing 0, 0.5, 1, and 2% extract for 56 days at the rate of 2% of body weight during the experiment. Results showed a significant decrease in total microorganisms, enteric gram-negative bacteria, and total fungi counts (p&lt;0.05). The total lactic acid bacteria count in 0.5% treatment was significantly lower than in control and 2% treated fish (P&lt;0.05). MPE did not affect AST, leading to a significant increase in ALT levels. Simultaneously, ALP represented significantly higher activity in the control group (P&gt;0.05). Microscopic findings revealed marked lesions, including congestion and cell degeneration in the livers of the three groups of fish fed with the extract. The intestinal folds were shortened and blunted in the treatment groups. Furthermore, the intestinal mucosa was necrotic, and the lamina propria was significantly thickened with mononuclear inflammatory cells (P&lt;0.05). Although MPE significantly affects intestinal microbiota, its consumption at 2% is not recommended for C. carpio due to the lesions made in the liver and intestine.

Sustainable Restoration of Soil Functionality in PTE-Affected Environments: Biochar Impact on Soil Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Plant Growth

Biochar can be useful for the functional recovery of soils contaminated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs), even if its effectiveness is variable and sometimes limited, and conflicting results have been recently reported. To shed some light on this regard, softwood-derived biochar was added at 2.5 (2.5-Bio) and 5.0% w/w (5.0-Bio) rates to an acidic (pH 5.74) soil contaminated by Cd (28 mg kg−1), Pb (10,625 mg kg−1), and Zn (3407 mg kg−1). Biochar addition increased soil pH, available P and CEC, and reduced labile Cd, Pb, and Zn (e.g., by 27, 37, and 46% in 5.0-Bio vs. the unamended soil). The addition of biochar did not change the number of total heterotrophic bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi, while it reduced the number of Pseudomonas spp. and soil microbial biomass. Dehydrogenase activity was reduced in amended soils (e.g., by ~60 and 75% in 2.5- and 5.0-Bio, respectively), while in the same soils, urease increased by 48 and 78%. Approximately 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and the Biolog community-level physiological profile highlighted a significant biochar impact (especially at a 5% rate) on soil bacterial diversity. Tomato (but not triticale) yield increased in the amended soils, especially in 2.5-Bio. This biochar rate was also the most effective at reducing Cd and Pb concentrations in shoots. Overall, these results demonstrate that 2.5% (but not 5.0%) biochar can be useful to restore the soil chemical fertility of PTE-polluted soils with limited (or null) impact on soil microbial and biochemical parameters.

Bioaerosol assessment in indoor and outdoor environments: a case study from India

Exposure to bioaerosols has been associated with the occurrence of a variety of health impacts, including infectious illnesses, acute toxic effects, allergies, and cancer. This study aimed at evaluating airborne bacteria and fungi populations at different indoor and outdoor sites on a college campus in Bengaluru, India. Bioaerosol samples were collected using a two-stage Andersen air sampler; and isolates were identified using standard procedures. Six air samples and meteorological data were collected in March and April 2014 to examine the effects of temperature and relative humidity on bioaerosol concentration using linear regression modeling. Among all sites, the canteen showed the highest bioaerosol levels both indoors and outdoors. Specific bacterial identification was not possible, but gram staining and microscopic analysis helped to identify gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The most prevalent fungal species in the samples were Cladosporium, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Fusarium, Mucor, and Alternaria. Due to the impact of weather conditions, such as temperature and relative humidity, the bioaerosol concentration varied greatly at each site according to the regression model. The indoor bioaerosol concentrations at all sites exceeded the values established by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (< 250 CFU/m3 for total fungi and < 500 CFU/m3 for total bacteria). Higher concentrations of bioaerosols may be attributed to the transportation of microbes from the ground surface to suspended particles, the release of microbes from the respiratory tract, higher rate of shredding of human skin cells, and many other factors.

Anticancer drugs drive changes in the performance, abundance, diversity, and composition of eukaryotic communities of an aerobic granular sludge system

Anticancer drugs are emerging contaminants that are being increasingly detected in urban wastewater. However, there is limited knowledge on the use of biological wastewater treatments, such as granular sludge systems (AGSs), to remove these substances and on their impacts on the general performance of the system and the eukaryotic communities in the granules. We investigated the impacts of three anticancer drugs commonly found in wastewater treatment plants and applied at three different concentrations on the removal efficiency of anticancer drugs, physicochemical parameters, and the eukaryotic microbiome of an AGS operated in a sequential batch reactor (SBR). Anticancer drugs applied at medium and high concentrations significantly decreased the removal efficiency of total nitrogen, the granular biomass concentration, and the size and setting velocity of granules. However, these effects disappeared after not adding the drugs for about a month thus showing the plasticity of the system to return to original levels. Regardless of the concentration of anticancer drugs tested, the AGS technology was effective in removing these substances, with removal rates in the range of 68.5%–100%. The presence of anticancer drugs at medium and high concentrations significantly decreased the abundance of total fungi, an effect that was linked to changes in the physicochemical parameters. Anticancer drugs also induced decreases in the diversity of the eukaryotic community, altered the community composition, and reduced the network complexity when applied at medium and high concentrations. Taxa responsive to the presence of anticancer drugs were identified. The diversity and composition of the eukaryotic microbiome returned to original diversity levels after not adding the drugs for about a month. Overall, this study increases our understanding of the impacts of anticancer drugs on the performance and eukaryotic microbiome of an AGS and highlights the need for monitoring these substances.

Indoor environmental conditions of selected shopping malls in Nigeria: A comparative study of microclimatic conditions, noise levels, and microbial burdens

The activities of people and equipment used within shopping malls are major factors that contribute to air pollution and increased sound levels, thereby affecting indoor environmental quality and the well-being of mall operators. This study assessed indoor environmental quality through microbial characterization and measurement of environmental conditions present in selected shopping malls. Investigations were conducted at three shopping malls in Ibadan selected through convenience sampling technique. Environmental parameters such as noise level, relative humidity, temperature, PM2.5 levels, total volatile organic compound (TVOC) levels, microbial characterization, and quantity were determined. Microclimatic parameters (temperature and relative humidity) were measured using a 4-in-1 Precision Gold N09AQ multi-tester. Culturable airborne microbes were collected using the settle plate technique. PM2.5 and TVOC levels were measured using a Thermo Scientific MIE pDR-1500 PM monitor and sf200-TVOC meter respectively. Two bacteria species and five fungi species were isolated across the malls. The noise levels ranged from 61.27 to 81.20 dB. The mean temperatures (highest mean of 33.44 ± 1.42 °C), PM2.5 (highest mean of 114.06 ± 25.64 μg/m3), and TVOC (highest mean of 55.21 ± 8.28 ppm) concentrations were higher than the permissible limits stipulated by the WHO guidelines and NESREA standard limits across all the selected malls. A positive correlation was found to exist between particulate matter and TVOC (r = 0.174, p = 0.004). The total bacteria count was generally high with the highest mean of 1965.33 ± 368.56 CFU/m3, while the total fungi count was generally low with the highest mean of 579.82 ± 51.55 CFU/m3. Bacillus spp. and Candida spp. were found to the consistent from all sample points across the three malls. The bacteria isolated are Gram-positive bacteria associated with human skin which suggests a high rate of indoor pollution from humans. In conclusion, this research has demonstrated the necessity to monitor noise levels and indoor air quality in malls. Also, there is need for government policies to improve indoor air quality which must be enforced and regulated, especially within shopping malls.

Microbiological Composition of Fortified Foam-Mat Dried Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a nutritional food substance with high medicinal importance. However, it is highly perishable. This work investigated the influence of different ingredients such as ginger extract, moringa seed flour and lemon on the microbiological quality of fortified foam-mat dried yoghurt. The research was conducted in two stages based on the experimental design. The first stage comprises the production of yoghurt which involves the water, powdered milk, starter culture and flavour kept at constant. Followed by addition of ginger extract and moringa seed flour. The second stage involved foam-mat drying of yoghurt using electric oven at stipulated drying temperature for each run respectively. The mixture-process design matrix carried out stipulates twenty five experimental runs including the control experiment. Microbiological properties evaluated are limited to total bacteria and fungi count while the data collected were analyzed using Design Expert 7.0.0 software package. 3D surface response was also used to display the response predictions of the mixture-process factors.

Development And Filtration Performance of Ceramic Filters from Ikot Ebom Clay

This research used the hand impress moulding method to prepare ceramic filter pots using 500 μm sieved clay, grog, and melon shell in three ratios of 70:5:25, 75:5:20, and 80:5:15, respectively. The pot models were dimensioned to 50 mm height, 52 mm outer diameter, and 10 mm thickness and fired to 650°C, 700°C, and 750°C. The volume of effluent, flow rate, and microbial removal efficiency were studied. From the results, filter pot 70:5:25 fired to 750°C recorded an efficiency of 99.9% removal of heterogenic bacteria count, total fungi count, total coliform, and E.coli, and has the best combination of flow rate and removal efficiency. This filter pot was seen to meet up with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Minitab analyses show a significant effect of material composition over fired temperature on the flow rate.Keywords: Water filtration, porosity, ceramic, filter pot

Sensory acceptability and storage stability of pasta produced from yellow yam and kidney bean composite flour

Globally, there are urgent concerns for food and nutrition insecurity, with major potential to the contribution of sustainability. In lieu to address this problem, diversification of the agricultural system for alternative food for humans is encouraged. The study evaluated the sensory acceptability and storage stability of pasta made from yellow yam and kidney bean composite flour. The pasta with the highest overall acceptability scores were packaged in a high density polyethylene bag, stored for the period of four weeks and analyzed for chemical, physical and microbial properties. The result obtained for the sensory acceptability showed that samples (80:20, 82.50: 17.50 and 87.50:12.50) were accepted by most of the panellists. Changes in moisture content, free fatty acid and peroxide value of pasta increased throughout the period of storage. Range of value for lightness, redness and yellowness of samples 80:20, 82.50: 17.50 and 87.50:12.50 were: 35.86–42.73, 3.32–9.80 and 9.81–12.95 respectively. However, there were little changes in the total plate count and total fungi count of the pasta during storage. The study showed that yellow yam and kidney bean flour had better acceptability in production of pasta.

Consumers’ safety of some selected ready to eat and street vended foods in Wudil, Kano state as determined by microbial content

Because of their cost, affordability, availability and simplicity to prepare, ready-to-eat foods are highly consumed in all over Nigeria, therefore critical to Nigerians’ health. This research aimed at ascertaining the consumers’ safety in terms of microbial load in ready-to-eat sell on the street Awara (Steamed Cowpea Beans Slurry) and Moin-moin (Bean pie) sold in three different vending locations retailed to the students of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil, Kano state Nigeria. Total of 24 samples consisting of equal quantity of Awara (Bean pie) and Moin-moin (Steamed Cowpea Bean Slurry) were collected from three different location in Wudil town and analyzed for total aerobic bacteria, fungi and Staphyococcus count. Seven different species of microorganism of health concern were identified to include Micrococcus spp, Staphylococcus aureous, Bacillus spp., Klebsiella spp., Mucor, Rhizophus stoonifer and Aspergillus flavus. The total mean of the aerobic bacteria, fungi and Staphylococcus count across all the location in all the samples were found to be withing the tolerable range with the standard set by the International Commission for Microbial Specification for Foods (ICMSF) and Food and Environmental Hygiene Standard (FEHD) as well as the South Wales Food Authority Standards for ready-to-eat foods. Higher microbial counts were founds on Moin-moin sample and this may be attributed to its high moisture content which is found to range from 64.2 to 70.0 %. The comparison of this research finding with international standard justified the safety of consumers and concludes the acceptability of these foods as safe to eat even though the presence of microorganisms such as Aspergilus spp. has been found to pose serious public health issue such as aflatoxin intoxication

Combined effect of a neonicotinoid insecticide and a fungicide on honeybee gut epithelium and microbiota, adult survival, colony strength and foraging preferences

Fungicides, insecticides and herbicides are widely used in agriculture to counteract pathogens and pests. Several of these molecules are toxic to non-target organisms such as pollinators and their lethal dose can be lowered if applied as a mixture. They can cause large and unpredictable problems, spanning from behavioural changes to alterations in the gut.The present work aimed at understanding the synergistic effects on honeybees of a combined in-hive exposure to sub-lethal doses of the insecticide thiacloprid and the fungicide penconazole. A multidisciplinary approach was used: honeybee mortality upon exposure was initially tested in cage, and the colonies development monitored. Morphological and ultrastructural analyses via light and transmission electron microscopy were carried out on the gut of larvae and forager honeybees. Moreover, the main pollen foraging sources and the fungal gut microbiota were studied using Next Generation Sequencing; the gut core bacterial taxa were quantified via qPCR.The mortality test showed a negative effect on honeybee survival when exposed to agrochemicals and their mixture in cage but not confirmed at colony level. Microscopy analyses on the gut epithelium indicated no appreciable morphological changes in larvae, newly emerged and forager honeybees exposed in field to the agrochemicals. Nevertheless, the gut microbial profile showed a reduction of Bombilactobacillus and an increase of Lactobacillus and total fungi upon mixture application. Finally, we highlighted for the first time a significant honeybee diet change after pesticide exposure: penconazole, alone or in mixture, significantly altered the pollen foraging preference, with honeybees preferring Hedera pollen.Overall, our in-hive results showed no severe effects upon administration of sublethal doses of thiacloprid and penconazole but indicate a change in honeybees foraging preference. A possible explanation can be that the different nutritional profile of the pollen may offer better recovery chances to honeybees.