Comparative Efficacies of Imarsil and Activated Charcoal in Reducing AflatoxinM1 in Cowsa Milk

Abstract

Many health risks associated with Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) drive the demand for its control. Adsorption studies of AFM1 were performed using activated charcoal (AC) and imarsil (0.5, 1 or 2%) at aflatoxin contamination rates of 9, 231 or 456 ng/L for 5 h at 4, 16, 28 and 32oC. The aflatoxinadsorbing capabilities of the two adsorbents depend on the adsorbent, adsorbent concentration, contact time and treatment temperature. At 4, 16 and 28oC, Imarsil demonstrated significant reductions (p<0.05) at the highest contamination rate and adsorbent concentration; while at 32oC, significant reductions (p<0.05) were observed at all contamination rates and adsorbent concentrations. However, at all treatment temperatures AC exhibited a very poor adsorbent capacity, except at 32oC where a mild activity was only exhibited at the highest contamination rates and adsorbent concentration. Results from the present study indicate that imarsil demonstrates a potential for aflatoxin reduction in the developing tropical world.