Monitoring carbon dioxide concentration for early detection of spoilage in stored grain

Autor/innen

  • D. E. Maier Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, U.S.A.. Email: dmaier@ksu.edu, kantha@ksu.edu
  • L. H. Channaiah Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, U.S.A.
  • A. Martinez-Kawas Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, U.S.A.
  • J. S. Lawrence Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, U.S.A.
  • E. V. Chaves Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, U.S.A.
  • P. C. Coradi Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, U.S.A.
  • G. A. Fromme BinTech, Orchard Drive, Louisville, Denver, Colorado 80027, U.S.A.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5073/jka.2010.425.332

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in storage silos to evaluate carbon dioxide sensors to monitor spoilage in grain prior to spoilage detection by traditional methods such as visual inspections and temperature cables. Carbon dioxide concentrations in the storage silo were monitored up to eight months and correlated to the presence of stored-product insects, molds and mycotoxin levels in the stored grain. The data showed that safe grain storage was observed at CO2 concentrations of 400 to 500 ppm. Higher concentrations of CO2 clearly showed mold spoilage or insect activity inside the grain storage silo. Carbon dioxide concentrations of 500 to 1200 ppm indicated onset of mold infection where as CO2 concentrations of 1500 to 4000 ppm and beyond clearly indicated severe mold infection or stored-product insects infestation. The percent kernel infection was in the range of 30% for CO2 concentrations of 500 to 1000 ppm to 90% for CO2 concentrations of 9000 ppm. Fungal concentrations were in the range of 2.0 ×102 colony forming units per gram (cfu/g) at 500 ppm CO2 concentration to 6.5 ×107 cfu/g at 9000 ppm CO2 concentration. Fungi of genera Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Fusarium spp. were isolated from spoiled grain. High concentration of fungi and presence of mycotoxins (aflatoxin: 2 ppb and Deoxynivalenol (DON): 1 ppm) were correlated with high CO2 concentration in the silos. The findings from this research will be helpful in providing more timely information regarding safe storage limits, aeration requirements and costs of spoilage mitigation measures such as turning, aerating and fumigating grain. Additionally, it will provide information on preventive stored grain quality management practices that should reduce residue levels of mycotoxins, pesticides and other foreign material in our food supply. The CO2 monitoring technology will increase the quality and quantity of stored grain, while saving the U.S. and global grain production, handling and processing industry millions of dollars annually.

Keywords: Carbon dioxide, Grain storage, Stored-product insects, Mold and mycotoxin

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Veröffentlicht

2010-09-02