Immunoenzymatic evaluation for aflatoxin, ochratoxin, and zearalenone in grains stored

Mycotoxins cause serious health problems in both humans and animals through ingestion of contaminated processed foods or feed. This study aimed to evaluate the storage of corn, soybean, bean, and chickpea cultivars in grains in High-Density Polyethylene drums for 12 months in the field. Samples of corn (5), soybean (5), bean (3), and chickpea (3) grains were collected, and crushed, and the extract containing mycotoxins was produced. The total quantification of Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A and Zearalenone were determined by the rapid and direct immunoenzymatic method (ELISA). Four corn samples and two soybean samples showed positive results for the presence of Aflatoxins with results between 37 and 56 µg kg-1. For Ochratoxin A, three samples of corn, two soybeans, and two beans showed positive results between 5 and 9 µg kg-1. Whereas for Zearalenone two samples of corn, three of soybean, and one of bean and chickpea had positive results with means between 108 and 125 µg kg-1. Storage in High-Density Polyethylene drums proved not to be a viable option, and humidity and field storage can be harmful to corn, soybeans, beans, and chickpeas with moisture content between 10 to 17% and temperature between 25-30 °C.