Effect of calcium chloride on quality of fresh-cut 'Perola' pineapple

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of calcium chloride on quality of fresh cut 'Perola' pineapple. The experimental design was a completely randomized in a 3x5 factorial scheme, and the treatments were represented by the CaCl2 concentration and storage time, each one with three replicates. Fruits were sanitized, peeled mechanically, sliced manually and dipped into water (control) and in CaCl2 solutions (1% and 2%) for 30 seconds. Slices were placed in polyethylene terephtalate packages and stored at 4+/-1 degreesC during periods of 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days. Texture was not influenced by any of the studied factors. Smaller peroxidase activity in the samples submitted to CaCl2 2% was verified. Fresh-cut pineapple slices dipped in CaCl2 1% showed more browning, presenting smaller L* value and larger a* value at the end of the storage period. The use of CaCl2 in fresh-cut 'Perola' pineapple does not provide beneficial effects on the texture and interfere negatively on the flesh color of fruit.3891105111

Genotoxic potential generated by biomass burning in the Brazilian Legal Amazon by Tradescantia micronucleus bioassay: a toxicity assessment study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Brazilian Amazon has suffered impacts from non-sustainable economic development, especially owing to the expansion of agricultural commodities into forest areas. The Tangará da Serra region, located in the southern of the Legal Amazon, is characterized by non-mechanized sugar cane production. In addition, it lies on the dispersion path of the pollution plume generated by biomass burning. The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxic potential of the atmosphere in the Tangará da Serra region, using <it>Tradescantia pallida </it>as <it>in situ </it>bioindicator.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study was conducted during the dry and rainy seasons, where the plants were exposed to two types of exposure, active and passive.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results showed that in all the sampling seasons, irrespective of exposure type, there was an increase in micronucleus frequency, compared to control and that it was statistically significant in the dry season. A strong and significant relationship was also observed between the increase in micronucleus incidence and the rise in fine particulate matter, and hospital morbidity from respiratory diseases in children.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Based on the results, we demonstrated that pollutants generated by biomass burning in the Brazilian Amazon can induce genetic damage in test plants that was more prominent during dry season, and correlated with the level of particulates and elevated respiratory morbidity.</p