Effects of gamma and electron-beam irradiation on aflatoxin B1 content of corn grain

The purpose of this study was to evaluate effect of gamma and electron beam irradiation on aflatoxin content of contaminated corn grain with fungi. Corn grain samples containing aflatoxin were exposure to gamma rays and electron beam، then content of aflatoxin was measured with HPLC apparatus. Experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with five treatments (gamma or electron beam irradiation doses) and four replicates. The amount of aflatoxin decreased (p<0. 05) as irradiation doses increased. Gamma irradiation at doses of 10، 15، 20 and 25 kGy reduced the amount of aflatoxin by 14، 24، 49 and 69%، respectively، whereas، electron irradiation at the same doses reduced it by 11، 23، 46 and 66%، respectively. At doses less than 25 kGy، irradiation did not decontaminate aflatoxin completely; therefore higher irradiation doses are recommended. Based upon these results، gamma and electron beam irradiation were judged to be useful methods for reducing aflatoxin content of contaminated corn grain and decreasing it under permission level.