Understanding Phytosanitary Irradiation Treatment of Pineapple Using Monte Carlo Simulation

Abstract

Purpose:Pineapple is now the third most important tropical fruit in world production after banana and citrus. Phytosanitary irradiation is recognized as a promising alternative treatment to chemical fumigation. However, most of the phytosanitary irradiation studies have dealt with physiochemical properties and its efficacy. Accurate dose calculation is crucial for ensuring proper process control in phytosanitary irradiation. The objective of this study was to optimize phytosanitary irradiation treatment of pineapple in various radiation sources using Monte Carlo simulation. Methods: 3-D geometry and component densities of the pineapple, extracted from CT scan data, were entered into a radiation transport Monte Carlo code (MCNP5) to obtain simulated dose distribution. Radiation energy used for simulation were 2 MeV (low-energy) and 10 MeV (high-energy) for electron beams, 1.25 MeV for gamma-rays, and 5 MeV for X-rays. Results: For low-energy electron beam simulation, electrons penetrated up to 0.75 cm from the pineapple skin, which is good for controlling insect eggs laid just below the fruit surface. For high-energy electron beam simulation, electrons penetrated up to 4.5 cm and the irradiation area occupied 60.2% of the whole area at single-side irradiation and 90.6% at double-side irradiation. For a single-side only gamma-and X-ray source simulation, the entire pineapple was irradiated and dose uniformity ratios (Dmax/Dmin) were 2.23 and 2.19, respectively. Even though both sources had all greater penetrating capability, the X-ray treatment is safer and the gamma-ray treatment is more widely used due to their availability. Conclusions: These results are invaluable for optimizing phytosanitary irradiation treatment planning of pineapple.

Improving phytosanitary irradiation treatment of mangoes using Monte Carlo simulation

“…Recently, Monte Carlo simulation with Computer Tomography (CT) scan data has been used to calculate dose distribution in various food products for microbial control purpose: apple (Kim et al, 2006), broccoli head (Kim et al, 2008), chicken (Kim et al, 2007) and other food items. Only a few studies are available for dose distribution for phytosanitary irradiation purpose: an analytical method for dose distribution in mango (George and Pradhan, 2009), and determination of dose distribution in pineapple for phytosanitary purpose (Kim et al, 2013).…”

Determination of best pine wilt disease treatment using irradiation

“…The Monte Carlo simulation has been used to establish the irradiation treatments for fruits and vegetables such as apple (Kim, Rivadeneira, Castell-Perez, & Moreira, 2006), cantaloupe (Kim, Moreira, & Castell-Perez, 2010), and broccoli head (Kim, Moreira, & Castell-Perez, 2008). Recently, this simulation technique was applied to phytosanitary irradiation treatment for mango (Kim, Moreira, & Castell-Perez, 2015), mangosteen (Oh et al, 2014), and pineapple (Kim et al, 2013). Currently, there is nothing available in the scientific literature regarding the dose distribution in wood for phytosanitary treatment.…”