penaeus monodon - Cochin University of Science and Technology

2.3.1. Detoxification and amelioration methods
2.3.1.1. Physical, Chemical and biological methods
In order to prevent mycotoxicosis, several pre-harvest and post­
harvest technologies and biological, chemical and physical methods have
been tested (Doyle et al., 1982; Ramos and Hernandez, 1997). An efficient
amelioration agent should aim at the following factors: ability to bind a
wide range of mycotoxins, low effective inclusion rate in feed, rapid and
uniform dispersion in the feed during mixing, heat stability during pelleting,
extrusion and during storage, no affinity for vitamins, mineral or other
nutrients or additives, high stability over a wide pH range and bio­
degradable after excretion (Park et al., 1986).
Physical removal of discoloured, damaged or inadequately developed
kernels is the decontamination technique most widely used by the peanut
industry, but such procedures are not practical for corn or cottonseed
(Ashworth et al., 1968). Unfortunately, mycotoxins diffuse away from the
mycelia, and products having no visible evidence of mold damage, can
contain mycotoxins at significant levels, therefore physical removal may not
effectively detoxify the material. Alternative decontamination procedures
are necessary to address these situations. The approach taken by most
researchers has been toward chemical inactivation of the toxin (Goldblatt
and Dollear, 1977).
In the case of peanuts and Brazil nuts, those exhibiting a blue
fluorescence under UV light, indicating possible presence of aflatoxins, can
be mechanically or electronically sorted (Ashworth et al., 1968). Since
fungal infested nuts are often lighter than healthy ones, it is possible to
remove the contaminated ones using pneumatic separation (Galblatt, 1970).
The possibility of removal of toxins from contaminated grains, seeds and
nuts has been considered from the legal as well as practical standpoint.
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