Determination of Aflatoxins in Maize Grains (Zea Mays L.) Intended for Human Consumption Marketed in Mozambique

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Determination of Aflatoxins in Maize Grains (Zea Mays L.) Intended for Human Consumption Marketed in Mozambique

Journal Title: Ciencia & Futuro - Year 2023, Vol 13, Issue 3

Abstract

This work aimed to determine aflatoxins in corn grains sold in Mozambique, using the thin layer chromatography (CCD) technique, as well as to evaluate their physical quality and safety. The evaluation of the physical quality and safety of the maize grains consisted of counting insects (live and dead), determining grains that were attacked, broken, defective and impurities through entomological tests and the moisture of the grains was determined through the humidity kit. In the analyzed samples, it was verified the absence of aflatoxins in one sample and the presence of only group B aflatoxins in the remaining ones, whose levels vary from 1,67 to 8,33μg/Kg. Aflatoxin contamination levels are below the limit allowed by national legislation (20μg/Kg). The moisture content in the samples varied between 13, 3% and 16, 5%, which means that some samples have low values and above 14%, the maximum value acceptable. While evaluating the physical quality and safety of the grains, it was found that the samples have a strong infestation by insects of different types per kg of sample, with Sitophilus Zeamais being the species that most attacks and causes damage to the stored grains. The analyzed samples showed a high percentage of attacked grains (which varies between 4 and 10,2%), broken grains between 5,0 and 6,0%, impurities between 4,2 and 5,5%, where the values were far above the maximum allowed by the same standard whose maximum limits are 3%, 3% and 0,1%, respectively.

Authors and Affiliations

Esnaider Rodríguez Suárez, Amos Nhaca Nhaca

Keywords

EP ID EP722803
DOI -
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