A sample of grain in a bin is at 80.6 degrees F. The vapor pressure of water in the bin is 17.09 mm Hg. Assuming that the grain is well mixed, is the grain in danger of fungal growth and mycotoxin production?
20%
To determine if the grain is in danger of fungal growth and mycotoxin production, we need to calculate the relative humidity (RH) of the air inside the bin.
Here's how you can do that:
1. Find the saturated vapor pressure of water at 80.6 degrees F. You can use a steam table or an online calculator to find this value. At 80.6 degrees F, the saturated vapor pressure of water is approximately 26.73 mm Hg.
2. Determine the relative humidity (RH) using the following formula: RH = (vapor pressure / saturated vapor pressure) * 100
- In this case, the vapor pressure is given as 17.09 mm Hg, and the saturated vapor pressure at 80.6 degrees F is approximately 26.73 mm Hg.
- Substitute these values into the formula: RH = (17.09 / 26.73) * 100.
3. Calculate the relative humidity:
- RH ≈ (0.6387) * 100 ≈ 63.87%
- The relative humidity of the air inside the bin is approximately 63.87%.
Now that we have the relative humidity, we can determine if the grain is in danger of fungal growth and mycotoxin production. Generally, a relative humidity above 70% can promote fungal growth and mycotoxin production. In this case, with a relative humidity of 63.87%, the grain may not be in immediate danger, but it is still advisable to monitor the conditions and take necessary precautions to prevent fungal growth and mycotoxin production.