Isolation, Identification of Bacteria and Fungi and FTIR and Proximate Analysis of Cassava Flakes (Garri) in Dutsin-Ma Markets

Abstract

Garri is a staple food made from cassava tuber that is consumed in many homes across Nigeria and other West Africa countries. This study isolated, identified bacteria and fungi and Furrier Transformed Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and proximate analysis of garri in Dutsin-Ma markets. Nine garri samples (smooth white garri, yellow graveled garri and yellow garri) were obtained  in Dutsin-Ma Town, from three different markets: Wednesday, Abuja Road and Tsamiya markets respectively. The microbial load of the samples was determined using pour plate technique and the isolates were identified using conventional method. The bacteria colony count was done and the bacteria were identified using gram staining and biochemical test. Three bacteria species were isolated; Klebsiella pneumonia (44.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (88.9%) and Bacillus spp (11.1%) and Twelve Fungi: Aspergillus spp (33.3%), Colletotrichum coccoides (11.1%), Histoplasma capsulatum (11.1%), Trichophyton schenlenii (11.1%) Trichomonas equinum (11.1%), Trichophyton equinum (11.1%), Balassezia baillon (11.1%), Coniochaeta haffmannii (11.1%), Cryptococcus spp (11.1%), Microsporidium (11.1%) and Rhizopus spp (11.1%) in all the samples. The FTIR of Smooth white garri (Sample A) shows five (5) peaks, Yellow gravel (Sample B) show five (5) peaks and the yellow garri (Sample C) show eight (8) peaks indicate indicating different wave number, intensity and compound The proximate analysis result shows the compositions for garri. The Moisture content recorded showed higher content in yellow garri (7.31%) while white garri is (5.98%). The presence of these bacteria and fungi in all the garri samples indicate a serious threat to the health of consumers.