Detection and Quantification of Microscystin by Protein Phosphate Inhibition Assay From Microcystis aeruginosa Isolated From Burrow Pits in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Protein phosphatase inhibition assay (PPIA) was used to detect and quantify microcystin extracted from Microcystis aeruginosa isolated from burrow pits in Kano. Water samples were collected monthly between 2004 and 2006, samples were kept in refrigerator for 24 hours. Identification of the organism was achieved by using standard procedure, and its pure culture was obtained by capillary pipette technique. The pure culture was harvested and dried at 25^oC. These were kept in refrigerator before being subjected for the analysis of toxins. Protein phosphatase inhibition assay (PPIA) was used to detect and quantify them. PPIA extracts revealed the presence of microcystin in quantities ranging from 3.0μg/g and 12 μg/g dry weights. The results of the finding show the possibility of poisoning effect on a variety of livestock, fishes, domestic animals and human beings that use the burrow pits water for drinking.