Isolation And Characterization Of Microorganisms Found On Cassava Peels :- Ezennaka, Precious C

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to screen for microorganisms found on cassava peels. Six(6) samples of cassava peels were analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Seven genera of bacteria {Lactobacillus spp, Bacullus spp , Staphylococcus aureus , Klebsiella spp, Pseudomonas spp, Streptococcus spp, and Proteus spp)and five genera of fungi (Aspergillus spp, Penicillium spp, Rhizopus spp, Yeast and Mucor) were isolated. The total bacterial count ranged from 1.40 xl03cfu/g to 5.80 xl03cfu/g while total fungal count ranged from 1.60 xl03cfu/g to 6.80 xl03cfu/g. The physicochemical parameters gave a pH range of 3.04 to 5.98. The temperature ranged from 26.1°C to 28.5°C. This study suggests that cassava peels dumped at different dumping sites might be a source of environmental pollution, also the need for improvement and maintenance of good hygiene practices by handlers is emphasized.