Assessment of Microbial Characteristics of ProcessedPalm Weevil “Rhynchophorus phoenicis” Larvae Sold in some Market Areas in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Problem Statement: The larvae of palm weevil (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) is commonly processed and consumed as food in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria especially in the rural areas. Aims and Objective: This study investigated the microbial characteristics of processed larvae of Rhynchophorus phoenicis sold in some market areas in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Methods: Triplicate samples of processed Rhynchophorus phoenicis larvae were obtained from vendors in Opolo and Tombia market areas in Yenagoa metropolis, Nigeria. The samples were analyzed following standard microbiological procedures. Result: Results showed that the total heterotrophic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae bacteria and total fungi counts ranged from 0.85-8.6 x 10 5 cfu/g, 1.18-8.73 x 10 2 cfu/g and 1.52-7.97 x 10 3 cfu/g, respectively. There was statistical deviation (P<0.05) among the Rhynchophorus phoenicis samples. The microbial isolates found in the samples were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus, Proteus and Micrococcus species (bacteria), Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium and Rhizopus species (fungi). The similarity in interaction of the microbial diversity between samples from each vendor ranged from 57.14-82.35% for Sorenson qualitative index and 0.40-0.70 (which is equivalent to 40-70%) for Jaccard index. The similarity is above a critical level of significance of 0.5 or 50% except for samples from vendor A-C using Jaccard index. Conclusion: Most of the microorganisms isolated especially the fungi could produce toxins and are pathogenic, hence, there is a need to frequently monitor the processed Rhynchophorus phoenicis larvae sold in the study area to ascertain its acceptability with respect to microbial quality.