Isolation of Aspergillus sp from some Decomposing Fruits and Vegetables from Banana Rhyzosphere Soil for Citric Acid Production

Aims: The general objective of this study is to isolate certain strains capable of producing citric acid.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample collection was carried out on two types of organic matter. Sampling was done from February to April 2021 in 3 municipalities in Abidjan with 10 samples per site.

Methodology: To carry out this work, isolation and purification of Aspergillus sp strains were carried out. Macroscopic and microscopic identifications of the mold isolates were carried out. The search for aflatoxin-producing molds was carried out. The analysis ended with a screening of molds capable of synthesizing citric acid.

Results: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus sp1 and Aspergillus sp2 showed no fluorescence, while Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus candidus and Aspergillus fumigatus showed fluorescent spots, indicating the presence of aflatoxin.

Conclusion: Aspergillus isolates capable of producing citric acid were isolated during this study. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus sp1 and Aspergillus sp2 do not produce aflatoxin and have the capacity to synthesize citric acid.