Preliminary survey on the effects of ionizing radiations on Aspergillus spp. and on aflatoxin B1 contaminating maize grains

Abstract

The aim of this research project was to evaluate the effects of ionizing radiations on Aspergillus spp. and on aflatoxin B1 levels contaminating maize grains. Eight samples of maize were irradiated by ionizing radiations respectively at doses of 3, 5, 7 and 10 kGy. The control samples showed a mean total viable mycetes count of 106 CFU/g and the mean levels of aflatoxin B1, detected by HPLC/FL, were 1212.8 median 1319 ppb. The effects of γ radiations on Aspergillus spp. produced a dose-dependent decrease in total moulds count and the appearance of some mutants. The AFB1 contamination was evaluated in samples irradiated at the 10 kGy dose, the maximum overall average absorbed radiation dose allowed by the European Community Directive. The results showed an increased AFB1 with mean level of 1975.8 ppb and median 1924.5 ppb.

Keywords

• hplc
• aspergillus spp.
• afb1
• γ rays
• maize