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. Sea- sonal and zonal variations emphasize the need for targeted monitoring in high-risk regions.