Mycotoxin Levels in Groundnut Paste in Navrongo in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Abstract

Aflatoxin, is a toxin from a naturally occurring mould, it is a Group 1 carcinogen proven to cause cancer in humans. Aflatoxin can also cause economic losses in livestock due to disease or reduced efficiency of production. Groundnuts/Peanuts contribute significantly to food security in the Northern Ghana (precisely Navrongo) due to their high nutritional value and cash crop potential. However, the crop is highly susceptible to aflatoxin and contamination. Yet little information is available on the extent of contamination in the region. This study explores the level and extent of contamination of peanut paste by mycotoxins (aflatoxins) in Navrongo market in the Upper East Region in Northern Ghana. A cross sectional study was used to conduct research and a survey of groundnut paste was collected from the Navrongo market in the Upper East Region of the Northern Ghana. The sample size was 10 different groundnut paste from ten groundnut paste sellers who were selected using simple random sampling. Ten samples were taken from these sellers, labelled from A to J and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Samples were prepared by mixing with extraction solution, blending and filtering. The extract was then applied to the AflaTest columns bound with specific antibodies to aflatoxin. At this stage, the aflatoxin binds to the antibody on the column. The column is then washed with water to rid the immune affinity column of impurities. By passing methanol through the column, the aflatoxin is removed from the antibody. This methanol solution was then measured in a fluorometer. Aflatoxin levels of each sample collected were determined by Affinity Chromatography (VICAM) method. Extraction of aflatoxin in the samples was done on the affinity chromatographer, identification of the levels of aflatoxin B1 in the samples were determined with a fluorometer (VICAM).

Keywords: Mycotoxins, Aflatoxin, Groundnut Paste, Extraction, Upper East, Ghana