Unveiling Contamination Issues and Experimental Realities in Testing Industry-Proposed Electrolysed Water Treatment for Jackfruit Bulbs Preservation

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy and challenges of applying acidic electrolysed water (AEW) and slightly acidic electrolysed water (SAEW) for the microbial control and preservation of jackfruit bulbs. The experiment aimed to evaluate the industry-proposed electrolysed water treatment procedures for reducing microbial activity while maintaining the quality attributes of jackfruit bulbs, such as colour, texture, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and weight. A batch electrolysis unit was used to generate AEW and SAEW, but inconsistencies in the physicochemical properties of SAEW, including lower oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), suggested an unsuccessful generation process. Microbial analysis revealed unexpectedly high microbial counts in treated samples, surpassing those of untreated samples, highlighting contamination issues during treatment. Observed challenges included insufficient drying time, short treatment duration, and cross-contamination during the large-scale process. Quality analysis revealed that the treated jackfruit bulbs experienced significant changes in colour and firmness, potentially linked to microbial growth. Water activity and TSS showed minimal variation, but a high initial water activity provided a conducive environment for microbial proliferation. While AEW demonstrated some promise in reducing microbial activity during preliminary trials, the results of this study underscore the need for refined treatment protocols and robust contamination control measures. Recommendations include optimising electrolysis conditions, extending treatment duration, and ensuring stringent hygienic practices during sample preparation and treatment. This research highlights critical gaps in the industry-proposed procedures and provides insights for improving the application of electrolysed water in postharvest treatment of fresh-cut fruits. Future studies should focus on replicating experiments under controlled environments to validate findings and overcome identified limitations.