The use of innovative and efficient nanocomposite (magnetic graphene oxide) for the reduction on of Fusarium mycotoxins in palm kernel cake.

Adsorption plays an important role in the removal of mycotoxins from feedstuffs. The main objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of using magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposites (MGO) as an adsorbent for the reduction of Fusarium mycotoxins in naturally contaminated palm kernel cake (PKC). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to assess the mycotoxins in animal feed. Target mycotoxins included the zearalenone (ZEA), the fumonisins (FB1 and FB2) and trichothecenes (deoxynivalenol (DON), HT-2 and T-2 toxin). Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to investigate the effects of time (3-7 h), temperature (30-50 °C) and pH (3-7) on the reduction. The response surface models with (R2 = 0.94-0.99) were significantly fitted to predict mycotoxins in contaminated PKC. Furthermore, the method ensured a satisfactory adjustment of the polynomial regression models with the experimental data except for fumonisin B1 and B2, which decrease the adsorption of magnetic graphene oxide (MGO). The optimum reduction was performed at pH 6.2 for 5.2 h at of 40.6 °C. Under these optimum conditions, reduced levels of 69.57, 67.28, 57.40 and 37.17%, were achieved for DON, ZEA, HT-2, and T-2, respectively.

Aflatoxin M1 contamination in cow and buffalo milk samples from the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Punjab provinces of Pakistan.

A total of 178 milk samples (94 of buffalo and 84 of cow) were randomly taken from Punjab and the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan (n = 89 in each province) and analysed for the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) by HPLC-FLD. From Punjab about 46% of buffalo's and 49% of cow's milks were contaminated with AFM1 as compared with 52% and 51% for milk samples from NWFP, respectively. Overall, the mean AFM1 concentration was 0.046 µg kg(-1) with a maximum of 0.350 µg kg(-1). All samples complied with the Codex Alimentarius limit of 0.50 µg kg(-1) for AFM1 in milk, but 16.3% of samples exceeded the European Union maximum level of 0.05 µg kg(-1). Another set of 415 buffalo's and cow's milk samples (213 morning milks and 202 evening milks) were analysed. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between mean AFM1 concentrations in milk during the morning (0.043 µg kg(-1)) and the evening (0.028 µg kg(-1)) lactation times.

Survey of aflatoxins in chillies from Pakistan produced in rural, semi-rural and urban environments.

Chilli peppers from Pakistan are consumed locally and also exported. Their quality is compromised by aflatoxins (AF) contamination. AF in chillies from rural, semi-rural and urban areas of the Punjab region of Pakistan were determined. Twenty-three (52.3%), 22 (50%) and 29 (65.9%) samples from rural, semi-rural and urban areas respectively, contained levels of aflatoxins which exceeded the European Union limits of >5 µg kg(-1) for AFB1 and >10 µg kg(-1) for total AF that apply to spices. Mean values for AFB1 in ground samples were 23.8, 14.8 and 14.0 µg kg(-1) for rural, semi-rural and urban areas, respectively. Mean total AF in ground samples were 27.7, 17.7 and 16.2 µg kg(-1) from equivalent locations. Eleven (50%), 12 (54.5%) and 14 (63.6%) whole samples from rural, semi-rural and urban areas, respectively, contained total levels of AF that exceeded European Union limits. The data indicate that individual localities have particular problems. In conclusion, the concentrations were often greater than the statutory limits set by the European Union.