EVALUATION OF LOW-ENERGY X-RAY AND GAMMA IRRADIATIONFOR AFLATOXIN DECONTAMINATION IN WALNUT KERNELS: ACOMPARATIVE STUDY

Aflatoxins (AFs) are well-known major health hazards in dry nuts.The current study aimed to evaluate effectiveness of both irradiation sources (Gamma and X-Ray) to reduce AFs levels while preserving their nutritional integrity.Dry shelled of walnut kernels were exposed to 60Co and low-energy X-ray irradiations at doses of 1, 1.5, 3.5, and 5 kGy.A significant decrease in AFs content were observed with increasing dosage of both sources.AFB1 decreased from 4.89 ppb in the control to 2.32 ppb with X-rays and 3.53 ppb with -rays at 5 kGy.Additionally AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 were completely eliminated after irradiation compared to their initial levels of 2.14 ppb 1.3 ppb and 1.23 ppb, respectively in the control.This resulted in a reduction of total AFs from 9.56 ppb to 2.32 ppb with X-rays and 3.53 ppb with -rays at 5 kGy.However, irradiation doses of 1, 1.5, 3.5, and 5 kGy resulted in minor increase POV and FFA of irradiated samples with increasing doses and did not lead to significant variation in overall fatty acid composition of shelled walnuts.Overall, current study suggests equal effectiveness of low energy irradiation and potentially safe method for enhancing the safety and quality of walnut kernels.