Effect of air pollution with Aspergillus spp.in occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 in milk and its products

Aspergillus fungi produce a family of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity mycotoxins called aflatoxins, which has been shown to cause hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in human tissues and can form derivatives with several cellular macromolecules. The study was conducted in Hawija, Kirkuk City, from January to June 2021. The feedlot storages are used for a stored ration that is used for cow nutrition, which is the source of milk. In the current study, we used 80 cow raw milk samples and their products (40 soft white cheeses and 40 yogurts). The results showed fungal growth was recorded in 71 feedlot storages out of 80 feedlot storages at a rate of 88.75%, and Aspergillus spp detection in 59 out of 71 feedlot storages at a rate of 83.1%. Also, the current study showed that 54% of milk samples, 62% of yogurt samples, and 86% of cheese samples were contaminated with Aflatoxin M1. Pollution of feedlot storage environments by Aspergillus spp. led to contamination of rations with Aspergillus spp. and its toxin. Animals fed with contaminated rations containing toxin will have produced this toxin in the milk.