Verification of the Accuscan gold reader and RIDA smart phone application rapid test kits in detection and quantification of aflatoxin levels in maize from selected regions in Kenya

Abstract

The study aimed to verify the effectiveness of two detection kits namely, Accuscan gold reader and RIDA total aflatoxin smart phone application in assessing levels of aflatoxins’ contamination in maize. Three regions of Kenya were selected namely, Kisumu, Makueni and Kilifi. Confirmatory tests were done using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The Accuscan gold reader showed mean aflatoxin levels of 14.52, 5.18, and 3.04 μg/kg and RIDA smart phone application had levels of 26.08, 26.68, and 4.05 μg/kg for Kilifi, Makueni, and Kisumu, respectively. The LC-MS/MS confirmed the presence of AFB1 and AFB2 with AFB1 of 97.5 μg/kg in Makueni and 76.2 μg/kg in Kilifi. Maize from Kilifi and Makueni was contaminated and unfit for human and animal consumption. Also, low rainfall, high temperature and high relative humidity directly increased the levels of aflatoxins, resulting in contamination. Therefore, the detection kits are recommended for use by maize farmers. Confirmatory tests should be done with maize having levels of aflatoxin above 10 μg/kg. Adequate drying and handling of maize and proper storage with good aeration should be ensured.

Mycotoxin patulin contamination in various fruits and estimating its dietary impact on the consumers: From orchard to table

“…To avoid its exposure and health hazards worldwide, different organizations have implemented strict regulations on patulin in food and other commodities [ 14 ]. WHO (World Health Organization) [ 15 ] has established a 50 μg/kg maximum limit in apple juice, ingredients, and beverages.…”

Concentration of potentially toxic elements in fillet shrimps of Mediterranean Sea: Systematic review, meta-analysis and health risk assessment

“…Environmental pollution ( Li et al, 2020 , Ma et al, 2022 , Tang et al, 2023 , Zhang et al, 2020 , Zhao et al, 2023 , Zhao et al, 2023 ) in soil ( She, Gao, & Shi, 2023 ), air, water resources, food such as meat ( Özlü et al, 2023 ), rice ( Takooree et al, 2023 ), wheat ( Bai et al, 2023 , Han et al, 2023 ) has increased over decades. These pollutants includes microbial ( Ahmad et al, 2023 , Kamal et al, 2023 , Zhao et al, 2023 , Zhao et al, 2023 ), mycotoxins ( Basso et al, 2023 , Tenge et al, 2022 ) and heavy metals ( Zoghi et al, 2022 ) that cause various diseases ( Guo et al, 2023 ). Furthermore, these elements certainly exist in environment because of natural disaster, weathering, and volcanic reactions ( Braune et al, 2015 ).…”

Safety Stressors and Coal Miners’ Safety Performance: The Mediating Role of Resilience and Coping Styles

“…[5][6][7][8][9] Environmental pollution in soil, 10 food, water resources, 35 air, [36][37][38] is increasing with the industrialization of countries [39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54] and may reduce workplace safety. These pollutants including mycotoxins, 47,[55][56][57][58][59] radioactive elements, 60 microbial, [61][62][63] heavy metals, [64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72] hormones, 73 pesticides, [74][75][76] antibiotics 77,…”