DETERMINATION AND DETOXIFICATION OF AFLATOXIN IN CEREAL SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM DIFFERENT AREAS OF LAHORE

Abstract

Objectives: Aflatoxin contamination of cereals and poultry feed causes significant financial loss and poses a risk with
serious health implications for both humans and animals. Present research was conducted to check the occurrence of
aflatoxins B1 in cereals including pulses and poultry feed and to evaluate the potential of different techniques in
removing aflatoxin contamination from cereals.
Methodology: 112 cereal samples which comprised of varieties of pulses and cereals used as poultry feed (yellow split
chickpeas, Barley, sorghum, wheat bran, corn seeds and oat) were collected from various locations of Lahore.
Quantitative analyses were performed through Thin Layer Chromatography and High-Performance Liquid
Chromatography techniques. Detoxification of mycotoxin (Aflatoxin) contaminated samples was carried out through
both chemical and physical methods.
Results and Conclusion: Aflatoxins were found in 36% (n=40) of the samples, with concentrations ranging from 2.073
to 23.03µg/kg-1. Selective 7 samples belonging to seven food types i.e., sorghum, yellow split chickpea, barley, wheat
bran, corn and poultry feed mixture rendering negative aflatoxin results, were subjected to HPLC to confirm and validate
the results of TLC. HPLC having declared as more sensitive technique gave positive results for three out of seven
samples that previously were found negative for AFB1 in samples subjected to TLC analysis. The concentration detected
ranges between 0.02-0.42µg/kg-1. Detoxification studies conducted through implementation of both physical and
chemical methods proved the efficacy of both methods under variable conditions. Study hence suggested that a
comprehensive and regular national level intensive monitoring and surveillance plan is required to improve the quality
and storage of pulses and poultry feed in Pakistan.