Mycotoxins contamination of maize (Zea mays L) from different agroecological zones in Nigeria: A systematic review

Abstract

Mycotoxin contamination in Nigerian maize was assessed across agroecological zones and seasons using data from 25 studies (1627 samples). aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) showed 100 % occurrence in Sahel Savannah, while Fumonisins (FUMs) dominated Northern and Southern Guinea Savannah (87.5–93.8 %). Analytical methods included HPLC (29.6 %), ELISA (25.9 %), LC-MS/MS (25.9 %), and TLC (18.5 %). Rainy season exhibited peak contamination: total AFs (454.61 ± 66.62 µg/kg), FUMs (2267.20 ± 801.57 µg/kg), DON (407.96 ± 29.07 µg/kg), and ZEN (305.24 ± 63.56 µg/kg). Contamination ranges spanned 0–8422 µg/kg (AFs), 0–68,204 µg/kg (FUMs), 0–93.06 µg/kg (OTA), 0–18,800 µg/kg (DON), and 0–579 µg/kg (ZEN). Mean values exceeded EU limits in 27 % of rainy-season samples, with overall exceedances at 37.2 % (AFs), 32.6 % (FUMs), 22.95 % (DON), 22.8 % (OTA), and 3.13 % (ZEN). This review highlights critical mycotoxin risks in Nigeria’s staple crop, urging immediate regulatory interventions and public health strategies to mitigate exposure. Seasonal and zonal variations emphasize the need for targeted monitoring in high-risk regions.