Adenekan,
M.O1, Onasanya, R.O1, Ikuejewa, I2, Olubode, T3,
Akinloye, J.O1, Ala, A.O1 and Akinboboye, O.A4.
1Department of Agriculture,Federal College of
Agriculture, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
2Department of Agricultural Extension and Management,Federal
College of Agriculture, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
3Department of Microbiology, Southwestern University,
Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State
Corresponding Author: e-mail:
mopadenekan@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The physico-chemical
and microbiological quality of honey samples obtained from the Niger Delta
region of Nigeria were investigated. There is paucity of information on the physico-chemical
characteristics of honey produced from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria;
hence, the need to provide a database on the characterization of honey produced
in this zone. A total of eighteen honey samples collected from this zone were
analyzed for their chemical properties including moisture, ash, pH, glucose and
fructose content, while the microbial population including total plate count
(TPC), total coliform and the levels of spore-forming bacteria and fungi were
determined. Data obtained were analyzed statistically by Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA), while sample means were separated with the aid of Least Significant
Difference (LSD) at P ≤ 0.05 using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) package.
The mean moisture content values ranged from 12.32 – 34.02 %, while the mean
ash content ranged from 0.74 – 1.22 g 100 g-1. The mean pH value of
2.6 obtained from honey samples collected in Akwa Ibom was significantly very
low when compared with that of 4.3 and 3.2 obtained from Edo and Bayelsa States
honey samples respectively. Glucose and fructose mean values detected in honey
samples also showed significant values. Four mineral elements: Potassium (K), Magnesium
(Mg), Calcium (Ca) and Iron (Fe) were detected, but with levels varying from
one place to another. Potassium (K) was the most abundant element with a mean
value of 8.06 ppm obtained from Akwa Ibom honey samples. Results of
microbiological characteristics showed that microbial profile were low for all
microorganisms detected in honey samples produced from the tropical Niger Delta
region of Nigeria.
Key words: Honey, Bacterium, Spore, Fungi, Bacillus, Niger Delta
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