Aflatoxin and Benzopyrene Extraction from Crude Coconut Oil

Background of the Study Aflatoxins come from fungi Aspergillus, particularly A. Flavus and A. Parasiticus (Alberts, Engelbrecht, Steyn, Holzapfel, & Van Zyl, 2006, as cited by Sufang Fan, 2013). AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, AFM1 and AFM2 are the most important members of aflatoxins identified up to now with respect to food safety (Zhang et al., 2009, as cited by Sufang Fan, 2013).

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) constitute a large class of organic compounds that are composed of two or more fused aromatic rings. Several countries like Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece have established their own limits for the concentration of the following toxic and carcinogenic PAHs such as benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[e]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k] fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene, benzo[ghi]perylene and indeno[1,2,3- cd]pyrene. Maximum limit for each individual single PAH is 2 ppb and 5 ppb for the sum of the eight heavy PAHs was established by Moret et al., 2005 (Cejpek et al., 1998, as cited by S.M. Salehuddin, 2012).

Research Questions This study aims to answer the following questions: How will the Aflatoin B1 and Benzo (a) pyrene contents of processed coconut oils be lessened? Which among the posible methods will better reduce the Aflatoxin B1 and Benzo (a) pyrene contentsmof the processed coconut oils. Will the drying method involved in the processing of crude coconut oils affect its Aflatoxin B1 and Benzo (a) pyrene contents? How will the lessening of the Aflatoxin B1 and Benzo (a) pyrene contents of the coconut oil contribute in improving its quality?

Objectives From the research questions that were formulated, the researchers came up with the following objectives: To lower the amount of AlatoxinB1 and Benzo (a) pyrene contents present in the processed coconut oils exported by the Philippines. To compare which amongst the possible processes will better reduce the Aflatoxin B1 and Benzo (a) pyrene contents of the crude coconut oils processed in the oil mills of the Philippines. To verify if the drying method involved in the processing of crude coconut oils will affect the Aflatoxin B1 and Benzo (a) pyrene contents in the oil samples. To determine how the lessening of the Aflatoxin B1 and Benzo (a) pyrene contents of the coconut oil contibute in improving its quality.

Significance of the Study The significance of this study is to be able to find a way in reducing the amount of Aflatoxin and Benzopyrene in coconut oil products. These toxins are already part of the coconut oil product when being sundried and the purpose of reducing these toxins is to increase the quality of the coconut oil when being exported to other countries.  

Related Literature Review Title: The determination of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in vegetable oil using solid-phase microextraction-comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatgography couple with time-of-flight mass spectrometry Author: Morrison, Paul et.al. Other Information: Journal of chromatograph A.1161(2007) 284-291

Abstract A simple and fast solid-phase microextraction method coupled with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry was developed for analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in edible oil, performed directly in a hexane solution of the oil. Sampling conditions (solvent used, extraction time, extraction temperature and fiber rinsing time) were optimized by using a sample of oil fortified with a standard solution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The methodwas validated by calculating linear range, correlation coefficient, accuracy, repeatability, detection limit and quantification limit. The method was applied to several oils collected from the market and directly from an olive pomace extraction plant. Morrisoan et. al, 2007

Methods Reagents and standards Two stock standard PAHs solutions were mixed in order to evaluate the affinity of the fiber to a large range of components. SPME conditions The SPME fiber used was a 15 m film thickness Carbopack Z/PDMS. The same fiber, directly dipped into an organic solution, was used by Maeoka et al. for dioxin analysis. To determine the optimum conditions, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 500L portions of a spiked oil sample (ranging between 10 and 40g/kg, depending on the individual PAH) was made up to 1.5mL using different solvents (hexane, cyclohexane, isooctane and acetonitrile). Extraction time and temperature were also investigated. In order to remove triglyceride surface residues from the fiber before injection, the fiber was rinsed in hexane. Morrisoan et. al, 2007

GC×GC–TOF-MS Analysis All analyses were performed using an Agilent 6890 GC (Agilent Technologies, Palo Alto, CA, USA) fitted with a longitudinally modulating cryogenic system (Chromatography Concepts, Doncaster, Australia). The detection system used was a Pegasus III TOF-MS (LECO Corporation, St. Joseph, MI, USA) with data interpretation provided by LECO ChromaTOF software. Splitless injections were performed at 340 ◦C, with the fiber held in the injector, for 10 min. Analytical Performance A working standard solution (std 3) was prepared by using one volume of std-1b and two volumes of std-2 to produce similar amounts of each PAH component of interest in the final solution. Morrisoan et. al, 2007

Samples The SPME method was applied to 10 samples of edible oils purchased in Australia and Italy. In addition, two samples of crude olive pomace oil and two samples of oil extracted from olive pomace in the laboratory were analysed. Morrisoan et. al, 2007

Data and Results

Evaluation on Abstract The abstract of this journal seems to be the way the author used to attract readers. Though it is not a complete review and summary of the experiment, its methods and results, it is a short yet meaningful array of words that best describes the whole journal. The topic of the journal was explained and elaborated as to what the paper is all about. The equipments and methods used were also introduced into a brief manner and the recommendation is somewhat given to make sure the readers will have to read the whole thing.

Methodology Evaluation The step by step methods on the determination of PAH on vegetable oil was explained in a clear and complete manner. All the equipments used was explained and elaborated (including the model and type of design). Terms that are scientific were also explained to avoid confusion. Measurements and other variables like time and pressure were also included. First, the reagents and standards were elaborated, next the equipment was elaborated then the analytical performance was discussed last.

Over-All View The journal on “The determination of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in vegetable oil using solid-phase microextraction-comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatgography couple with time-of-flight mass spectrometry” was a good journal for us for it clearly states all the things we needed to know in order to acquire the knowledge needed from the journal. Everything was explained in a chronological manner and every single detail needed was included to avoid confusion.