Evaluation of Mycotoxins in Peanut(Arachis hypogea) Samples using Liquid Chromatography- Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

The production and consumption of peanuts is quite widespread worldwide. Although they contain mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxin, which has potential negative effects on human health both immediately and over time, peanuts are a very healthy source of protein and fat. Species of the Aspergillus fungus create aflatoxin. In addition to others, they may result in issues including liver cancer, lowered immunity, changes in protein metabolism, gangrene, convulsions, and respiratory issues. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-Lucknow, aflatoxin renders 21% of India's peanuts unsafe for human consumption. As a result, it's critical to educate people about the dangers of the mycotoxins found in the peanuts they eat on a regular basis. In this analysis, it was found that 11 samples out of 37 samples were contaminated with aflatoxins, particularly AB1and AB2 in amounts that were unsafe and unfavorable. For the present study included 37 peanut samples collected from local vendors, stores, online stores and DGR, Gujarat. These samples were grind into fine powder with the help of mixture grinder and homogenized mixture of each sample was obtained. From this mixture mycotoxins were extracted following a standard procedure. The concentration of mycotoxins present in the samples were analyzed using Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS). The results showed that 11 out of 37 samples tested positive for aflatoxins, with concentrations ranging from 1.47 to 320.51 μg/kg. Four of these 11 samples exhibit contamination levels that are very high. Aflatoxin levels in Sample 2 are 180.90 μg/kg, Sample 06 is 292.91 μg/kg, Sample 20 is 320.51 μg/kg, and Sample 24 is 25.72 μg/kg. It can also be concluded that samples collected from online stores were comparatively more contaminated than samples collected locally. Samples collected from DGR, Gujarat had no contamination. Since the concentration of aflatoxin in these four contaminated samples of peanuts was higher than the allowable limit established by the government, they cannot be regarded as safe for consumption. Hence, awareness must be generated among the farmers, vendors and consumers regarding the aflatoxin toxicity and regarding the methods to prevent this type of contamination in food.