Synthesis of Rice Husk-Based MCM-41 for Removal of Aflatoxin B(1) from Peanut Oil

Edible oils, especially peanut oil, usually contain aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) at extremely high concentrations. This study focused on the synthesis of rice husk-based mesoporous silica (MCM-41) for the removal of AFB(1) from peanut oil. MCM-41 was characterized by X-ray diffraction, N(2) physisorption, and transmission electron microscope. MCM-41 was shown to have ordered channels with high specific surface area (1246 m(2)/g), pore volume (1.75 cm(3)/g), and pore diameter (3.11 nm). Under the optimal concentration of 1.0 mg/mL of the adsorbent dose, the adsorption behavior of MCM-41, natural montmorillonite (MONT), and commercial activated carbon (CA) for AFB(1) were compared. The adsorption of AFB(1) in peanut oil onto the three adsorbents was slower compared to that of AFB(1) in an aqueous solution. In addition, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model better fit the adsorption kinetics of AFB(1,) while the adsorption mechanism followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm on the three adsorbents. The calculated maximum adsorbed amounts of AFB(1) on MONT, MCM-41, and CA were 199.41, 215.93, and 248.93 ng/mg, respectively. These results suggested that MCM-41 without modification could meet market demand and could be considered a good candidate for the removal of AFB(1) from peanut oil. This study provides insights that could prove to be of economic and practical value.