Aflatoxin contamination of Arachis hypogaea (groundnuts) in Lagos area of Nigeria

摘要

Human populations are exposed to aflatoxins as a result of the consumption of commodities (particularly grains and nuts) that have been directly contaminated bythe aflatoxin producing strains of Aspergillusfiavus and Aspergillusparasiticus during growth, harvest or storage (Busby and Wogan 1984). The occurrence and magnitude of aflatoxins contamination varies also with geographical and seasonal factors. Crops in tropical and subtropical areas are more susceptible to contamination than those in temperate regions, since optimal conditions for toxin formation are prevalent in areas with high humidity and temperature (Diener and Davis 1969).