A Comparative Study of Ultra Violet (UV-C) and X-Ray Irradiation on the Shelf Life and Proximate Composition of Garden Egg (Solanum aethiopicum)

Nguvan Becky Akaagerger; Kater Fidelis Aernyi

doi:10.62292/njp.v35i2.2026.554

Authors

Nguvan Becky Akaagerger
Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University
Kater Fidelis Aernyi
katerfid400@gmail.com

Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University

Keywords:

Garden egg, UV-C irradiation, X-ray irradiation, Shelf life, Proximate composition

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of X-ray and UV-C irradiation on the shelf life, quality, and microbial safety of garden eggs (Solanum aethiopicum). Samples were exposed to X-ray doses of 30.80–87.70 μGy at 50–80 kVp for 0.4–1.0 seconds and UV-C doses of 971.64–1943.28 mJ/cm² for 15–30 minutes. X-ray irradiation significantly extended shelf life by up to 4 days, with the X4 group (87.70 μGy, 80 kVp, 1.0 s) remaining viable for 11 days. UV-C treatment showed limited effect, with the U1 group (971.64 mJ/cm², 15 min) extending shelf life by only 2 days. X-ray treatment also improved moisture retention and mineral composition while reducing fungal and bacterial contamination. In contrast, UV-C caused noticeable color changes, while X-ray-treated samples retained their original colour. Both irradiation methods kept radiation doses within internationally accepted food safety limits (ICRP 2019). No harmful radiolytic by-products or residual radioactivity were detected, and proximate analysis showed minimal nutritional alterations. Overall, X-ray irradiation was more effective than UV-C for enhancing shelf life, quality, and safety, with X4 identified as the optimal treatment. The findings demonstrate that X-ray and UV-C irradiation offer a safe, non-thermal alternative for postharvest preservation of garden eggs, supporting reduced losses and improved food security for smallholder farmers.

Author Biographies

Nguvan Becky Akaagerger

Senior Lecturer Department of Physics Rev. FR. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria

Kater Fidelis Aernyi

Department of Physics Rev. FR. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi Benue State Nigeria.

Dimensions

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A Comparative Study of Ultra Violet (UV-C) and X-Ray Irradiation on the Shelf Life and Proximate Composition of Garden Egg (Solanum aethiopicum)

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Keywords:

Abstract

Author Biographies

Nguvan Becky Akaagerger

Kater Fidelis Aernyi

REFERENCES

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