Monte Carlo Simulation of Irradiation Treatment of Peaches (Prunus persica L. Batsch)

Food irradiation is important not only in ensuring safety but also improving antioxidant activity of peaches. Our objective was to establish the best irradiation treatment for peaches by calculating dose distribution using Monte Carlo simulation. 3-D geometry and component densities of peaches, extracted from CT scan, were entered into MCNP to obtain simulated dose distribution. Radiation energies for electron beam were 1.35 MeV (low energy) and 10 MeV (high energy). Co (1.25 MeV) and the Husman irradiator, containing three sealed Cs source rods in an annular array, were used for gamma irradiation. At 1.35 MeV electron beam simulation, electrons penetrated well beyond the peach skin, enough for surface treatment for microorganisms and allergens. At 10 MeV electron beam simulation, for top-beam only treatment, doses at the core were the highest and for double beam treatment, the electron energy was absorbed by the entire sample. At Co source, the radiation doses were presented on the whole area. At Cs source, the dose uniformity ratios were 2.78 for one source and 1.48 for three ones at 120 degrees interval. Proper control of irradiation treatment is critical to establish confidence in the irradiation process.

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