Identification of irradiated peppers by electron spin resonance, thermoluminescence and viscosity

• Published in: Radiation physics and chemistry (Oxford, England : 1993) Vol. 46; no. 4; pp. 757 - 760
• Main Authors: Polónia, Isabel, Esteves, M.P., Andrade, M.E., Empis, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-10-1995
• Subjects: Detection Methods; Electron Spin Resonance; Irradiation; Peppers; Thermoluminescence; Viscosity; Viscosity; Irradiation; Electron Spin Resonance; Peppers; Detection Methods; Thermoluminescence
• ISSN: 0969-806X; 1879-0895
• DOI: 10.1016/0969-806X(95)00256-W

White and black pepper purchased in local retailers were analysed by electron spin resonance (ESR), thermoluminescence (TL) and viscosimetry (VISC) in order to establish a viable method for identifying possibly irradiated peppers. Samples studied were non irradiated or irradiated in a cobalt-60 plant with the absorbed doses of 3, 5, 7 and 10 kGy.
Confirming the data found in the literature TL was revealed by our results the best method to identify irradiated peppers. Nevertheless, the dose received by the samples could not be estimated. The ESR signal of irradiated peppers is similar to the spectrum of cellulose radical but very short lived at ambient temperature. The study on the alteration of viscosity of heat-treated alkaline pepper suspensions indicate that VISC is a very promising method for detection of irradiated peppers.