African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6901

Full Length Research Paper

Presence of metals in farmland edible termites in Mazabuka District, Zambia

Meekness Kapaale
  • Meekness Kapaale
  • Department of Plant Animal and Food Sciences, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 210-40601 Bondo, Kenya.
  • Google Scholar
Darius Otiato Andika
  • Darius Otiato Andika
  • Department of Plant Animal and Food Sciences, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 210-40601 Bondo, Kenya.
  • Google Scholar
Philip Obed Yobe Nkunika
  • Philip Obed Yobe Nkunika
  • Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Zambia, The University of Zambia, P. O. Box 32379 Lusaka, Zambia.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 28 October 2021
  •  Accepted: 06 December 2021
  •  Published: 31 January 2022

Abstract

Edible termites have played an important role in the history of human nutrition due to their nutritional value. Despite their nutritional body content, it is known that during their termitarium construction, termites accumulate metals in their bodies. This study examined the heavy metal content in selected edible termites for food safety. The household survey was carried out in 8 camps of Magoye and Stateland farming blocks in Mazabuka district. The study was done to determine human activities in the farmlands. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data via one-on-one interview. A total of 362 respondents participated and their farmland activities included; mixed farming, agrochemical usage, transportation, milling, mining and termite harvesting. Composite samples of selected edible soldier termites and the nest soil were analysed for the presence of Cu, Co, Pb, Mn, Ni, Zn, Fe using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results in nest soil showed all analysed metals, with Mn having the highest mean 6.65±1.73 mg/L and sampled termites showed presence of all heavy metals except Ni and Co, with Fe having the highest mean value of 5.38±4.75 mg/L. ANOVA revealed a significant difference with P<0.05 in Co, Mn, Zn, Ni in nest soil and no significant difference in sampled termites. There was no significant Pearson correlation between heavy metals in soil and edible termites, suggesting an active regulation of metals by termites.

Keywords: Edible insects, entomophagy, termitarium, Magoye, Zambia.