| Abstract: |
The aims of the current study were to apply O3 to reduce fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination in fresh and stored peanuts samples collected from Sharkia, Cairo and Ismailia governorates. Peanuts samples were exposed to O3 gaseous at 20 ppm for 5 min, 40 ppm for 10 min and 50 ppm for 5 min. Total fungal counts and frequencies were studies in fresh and stored samples using Martin’s and Aspergillus flavus agar specific media. The effects of different treatments on fat and protein content as well as aflatoxin contamination were determined. All peanuts seed and shell samples were infected with fungi and aflatoxins contamination in significant concentrations. Treatment with O3 at 20 ppm for 5 min, 40 ppm for 10 min and 50 ppm for 5 min resulted in significant reduction in fungal counts isolated using Martin’s medium in seed samples reached 31, 44.8, 65.5% for Sharkia, 39, 60.8, 82.6 for Cairo and 13.4, 40.9, 68.2 for Ismailia using the three tested doses of O3 respectively. Using Aspergillus flavus agar specific medium, the reduction reached 40, 60, 72% for Sharkia, 36.8, 57.9, 89.5% for Cairo and 32, 53.6, 75% for Ismailia. Aflatoxin contamination showed a significant decrease after the exposure to O3. On the other hand, O3 did not affect protein content although a significant decrease in fat content was found. The biological evaluation revealed that O3 itself was safe, succeeded to counteract the toxicity of aflatoxins and induced a significant improvement in the biochemical parameters and histological picture of the liver and kidney and could be applied in peanuts prepared for export or local consumption.
|
|
|