Sanitization Treatment of Fresh Produce with Acidic Electrolyzed Water: Experimental Results on Energy Efficiency, Effectiveness on Rots, Cost and Environmental Impact at Near-Industrial Scale
This study evaluates the potential of acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) as an alternative sanitizing solution for the fruit and vegetable industry. Conducted on a near-industrial scale, the experiment used a 300 L solution with 10% AEW, measuring pH, free chlorine concentration, and electro-oxidative...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Sci |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2413-4155/7/1/24 |
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| Summary: | This study evaluates the potential of acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) as an alternative sanitizing solution for the fruit and vegetable industry. Conducted on a near-industrial scale, the experiment used a 300 L solution with 10% AEW, measuring pH, free chlorine concentration, and electro-oxidative potential (EOP). The sanitizing efficacy of AEW was tested against common phytopathogens responsible for post-harvest decay including <i>Penicillium expansum</i>, <i>Aspergillus niger</i>, <i>Botrytis cinerea</i>, and <i>Alternaria alternata</i>. With a pH of 7.27, EOP of −0.40 mV, and free chlorine at 5 mg/L, AEW achieved an 85–90% decay reduction in a 2 min wash. Energy consumption for AEW production was notably lower than that for sodium hypochlorite, a widely used industrial sanitizer, and AEW production demonstrated a reduced environmental impact due to its recycling potential and favorable effluent properties. However, free chlorine levels necessitated further treatment before wastewater discharge. |
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| ISSN: | 2413-4155 |