Utilization of zearalenone‐ contaminated corn for ethanol production

Abstract

Abstract Two lots of yellow corn, severely damaged by Fusarium fungi and contaminated with 8.0 and 33.5 ppm zearalenone, respectively, were used for ethanol fermentations. Substrate corn (5‐kg samples) was processed in a laboratory procedure similar to that used by the fermentation industry. Stillages obtained were 7.0 to 9.0% ethanol. Ethanol was recovered by distillation, residual grain solids by filtration, and solubles by concentration. No zearalenone could be detected in the ethanol fraction. Zearalenone in the original corn was concentrated in the residual solids and solubles, which are generally used for animal feed. Treatment with formaldehyde significantly reduced the level of zearalenone in fermentation solids. Ammonium hydroxide was a much less effective agent for toxin degradation.