Modeling and experimental of mould disinfestation of soybean silos with ozone

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to develop and validate a mathematical model for predicting ozone propagation and distribution in a bench-scale storage silo of soybean and link the model results to its application as an antifungal. The reduction of potentially toxigenic fungi found in soybeans was also evaluated after the ozone treatment. Experimental validation consisted of the ozone application and concentration (ozone) monitoring at the experimental silo outlet. The soybean grains were analyzed prior to and after ozone treatment from different portions of the silo to evaluate the antifungal activity. After 30 minutes of ozone exposure, there was an 88% reduction in the amount of fungi present at the lower section, reaching total elimination with longer exposure times. Fusarium was the main genus found, and it was significantly reduced even with the shortest exposure (30 min). The results of the ozone propagation in soybeans will be useful to better understand its behavior within silos, in order for the elimination of biological contaminations to occur. The model showed ozone spread through the silo, and this treatment showed to be an effective alternative to control against potentially toxigenic fungi found in soybeans.