Determination of the Level of Aflatoxins Contamination in Maize (Zea mays L.) Produced in Five Regions of Côte d’Ivoire

Aims: The aim of this work is to assess the level of aflatoxins contamination in maize produced in five regions (Poro, Hambol, Gontougo, Gbêkê, Indénié-Djuablin) of Côte d'Ivoire.

Place and duration of study: In this study 375 samples of maize (grains, cobs, spathes) were taken from February 2016 to January 2017 and the aflatoxin analyses were carried out at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Agriculture and Development of Biological Resources of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University.

Methodology: The aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) were extracted and assayed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) according to the AOAC method.

Results: The results indicate the presence of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 in all forms of maize (grains, cobs, spathes) and in the five regions chosen for the study. The mean concentrations of aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) and the total aflatoxins (AFT) varied from 0.79 ± 0.04 µg/kg to 130.31 ± 22.56 µg/kg and from 2.63 ± 2,35 µg/kg to 169.13 ± 40.39 µg/kg respectively. samples from Indénié-Djuablin, Hambol and Gountougo regions showed the highest proportions of non-compliance with the european Union limit of 5 μg/kg and 10 μg/kg. Regarding AFB1, these proportions vary from 0% to 46% in the regions of Gbêkê, Poro and Hambol, while they are between 54% and 96% in the regions of Indénié-Djuablin and Gontougo. For total aflatoxins, the proportions of non-compliant samples were between 0% and 40% (Gbêkê and Poro), 12% and 56% (Hambol), 56% and 96% (Indénié-Djuablin and Gontougo).

Conclusion: These results demonstrate a need for monitoring of maize production by stakeholders in the sector who should adopt good agricultural practices.