COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MICROBIAL GROWTH POTENTIAL ON ROTTEN (INFECTED) AND HEALTHY (NON-INFECTED) WHITE COCOYAM
Abstract
Cocoyam (Xanthosoma spp. and Colocasia spp.) is a root vegetable widely cultivated in
tropical regions. It comes in varieties such as white and red cocoyam, which are
distinguished by their skin color and sometimes by their internal flesh color. This study
evaluates the microbial growth potential of white cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) by
investigating the microbial profiles in healthy and spoiled samples, along with their
proximate and mineral compositions. Total microbial count for 10-3 dilution in different
culture media were PDA: 15×10-3, EMB: 4×10-3 and NA: 33×10-3 while for 10-5 dilution
in different culture media were PDA: 9×10-5, EMB: 1×10-5 and NA: 15×10-5. A total of six
fungal strains which include Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus nigricans, Aspergillus ochraceus,
Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium oxalicum, and Fusarium oxysporium were isolated from
spoiled samples of white cocoyam. Biochemical tests identified Bacillus subtilis,
Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus in the white cocoyam samples. Proximate
analysis determined moisture, protein, fat, fiber, ash, and carbohydrate content, providing
insights into nutritional factors affecting microbial growth. Mineral analysis confirmed the
presence of essential elements, including sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca),
magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn).
The findings of this study highlight the microbial dynamics and nutrient composition of
white cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta), emphasizing its susceptibility to specific fungal and
bacterial strains. By correlating microbial growth patterns with proximate and mineral
compositions, this study provides valuable insights into factors influencing spoilage and
shelf life. These results aim to inform strategies for improving cocoyam preservation,
enhancing its nutritional value, and ensuring food safety in tropical regions where it is a
staple crop.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.