To analyze the contamination characteristics of multiple mycotoxins in cornand corn products across districts and counties in Jinan City during 2022—2023, and to assess the cumulative exposure risk among different age groups.
We collected 173 samples of maize and products from 12 districts and counties in Jinan City from 2022 to 2023, and simultaneously detected 12 mycotoxins by isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and evaluated the cumulative exposure risk of the population of different age groups based on the data of dietary consumption of residents in Shandong Province by using compositional analysis combined with the equivalence factor (EF) and the exposure boundary value (MOE).
Fumonisins (FBs) were the most contaminated (detection rate, 91.3%, mean, 1 506.1 μg/kg), followed by deoxynivalenol and metabolites (tDON, detection rate, 89.6%, mean, 91.7μg/kg) and zearalenone (ZEN, detection rate,72.8%, mean,41.1μg/kg). 91.9% of samples contained two or more toxins concurrently, with FB+tDON+ZEN being the predominant co-contamination pattern. Contamination characteristics varied across districts: Laiwu District exhibited relatively higher FB detection levels(2 653.7 μg/kg), while Huaiyin District showed relatively higher tDON levels (259.6 μg/kg). No distinct high-risk areas for ZEN contamination were identified citywide. The MOE values for all population groups fell below the safety threshold (100),indicating potential health risks. At the same time, it is necessary to consider the uncertainty of evaluation caused by sample size and consumption data. The younger age group exhibited relatively higher risks. No statistically significant differences in exposure risk were observed between genders. FBs contributed the most (93.6%) to cumulative exposure risk and were identified as the primary risk factor. Corn milling products served as the main exposure source (Contribution rate 67%), with consumption levels positively correlated to mycotoxin exposure.
Mycotoxin contamination in Jinan exhibits a spatial distribution pattern characterized by higher levels in peripheral areas and lower levels in central areas. The population faces potential health risks from cumulative exposure to mycotoxins through the consumption of corn and corn products. Younger age groups, due to their higher intake per unit of body weight, should be prioritized as key targets for prevention and control.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |