Associations Between Mineral Composition and Aflatoxin B1 in Maize (Zea mays L.) Seeds: Toward Contamination Indicators and Food Safety

Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.), a globally important cereal crop, is often threatened by aflatoxin contamination, compromising seed quality, nutritional value, and food safety. This study investigated the distribution of macro- and microelements in inner and outer seed fractions of maize with varying aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels to identify potential elemental markers of contamination. Macro- and microelements were quantified using ICP-OES and ICP-QMS, and principal component and correlation analyses were applied to explore interelement relationships and sample separation. The inner fraction was enriched in metabolically active elements such as K, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Ni, while the outer fraction contained higher Na, Ca, Cr, and Co, supporting structural integrity and defense. Strong positive correlations were observed between Mn and Zn in the inner fraction (r = 0.818), as well as between Cr and Zn (r = 0.82) and Co and Zn (r = 0.797) in the outer fraction, whereas Na and Zn showed a negative correlation in the inner fraction (r = -0.739). Na exhibited a nonlinear relationship with AFB1, suggesting complex regulatory mechanisms. Increasing AFB1 concentrations affected elemental composition, with dynamic changes in Cr, Mn, Zn, and Co and reductions in K, reflecting adaptive responses at low toxin levels and disrupted metal homeostasis at higher contamination. Strong associations of Mn, Zn, and Cr with AFB1 indicate their potential as contamination markers. These findings highlight compartment-specific mineral dynamics and their relevance for seed resilience and food safety.