Isolation and Biochemical Analysis of Microorganisms Found in Stored Maize
Keywords:
Stored maize, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus microsporus, food safetyAbstract
Stored maize is susceptible to microbial contamination, which poses significant risks to food safety and public health. This study investigated the isolation, enumeration, and biochemical characterization of microorganisms found in stored maize samples. Serial dilutions of the samples were inoculated onto Nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, and Sabouraud dextrose agar using spread techniques. Bacterial counts ranged from to CFU/ml, while fungal counts ranged from to CFU/ml. Biochemical and morphological analyses identified Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa among the bacterial isolates, while fungal isolates included Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Rhizopus microsporus/stolonifer. The presence of both pathogenic and spoilage organisms highlights the potential health hazards of improperly stored maize and underscores the importance of effective storage practices and microbial monitoring to ensure food safety.
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