Effects of batch-type and inline-type Aqua-gas^® treatment on the viable bacterial count of agricultural materials and maintenance of their components

Abstract

We used a batch-type Aqua-gas^® (AQG) device to investigate the effects of batch-type AQG treatment on the viable bacterial count of broccoli and its component glucoraphanin: broccoli samples underwent AQG treatment in comparison to steaming treatment. The untreated samples' viable bacterial count was 10⁷ cfu/g. Both treatments (30s) resulted in undetectably low counts. More glucoraphanin was retained by AQG treatment versus steaming treatment. We also investigated bactericidal effects on egoma seeds' component changes by batch-type and inline-type treatments combining AQG and superheated steam and then analyzed the post-bactericidal action degree of oil oxidation. Untreated egoma seeds had a 10⁵ cfu/g viable bacterial count; 5 min of inline-type AQG treatment resulted in undetectably low counts. The batch-type AQG treatment resulted in a 10³ cfu/g bacterial count. Coliforms and heat-resistant bacteria were reduced by the inline-type AQG treatment. The AQG-treated seeds' degree of oil oxidation was similar to that of untreated seeds.