Studies on the Chemical Composition of Termitarium Soils and Fungal Combs of Macrotermes bellicosus

摘要

Termitarium (mound) soils of Macrotermes bellicosus from two termitaria were analyzed for mineral elements, and control soil samples obtained from a remote forest were also analyzed. Fungal combs from the same Termitarium were analyzed for proximate composition, anti-nutrient content and some mineral elements. Mineral elements determination showed that the termitaria soil contains higher concentrations of mineral elements compared to the control soil. In the termitarium soils, the highest mineral element was sodium and the least was manganese with values of 139.138 ± 2.40 mg/kg and 44.870 ± 2.10 mg/kg, respectively. In the fungal comb, proximate composition indicated that fungal comb possess high carbohydrate and caloric value of range 72.69 ± 1.0 – 74.58 ± 1.0% and 332.30 ± 2.0 – 358.16 ± 3.0 Kcal, respectively. Both termitarium soil and fungal comb are rich in mineral elements. Anti-nutrient composition in the termitarium soil and fungal comb are within the acceptable range.