Evaluation of Gamma Irradiation and Storage Period Effects on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Load in Fava Bean (Vicia Faba) Kernels

In this work, gamma irradiation at doses of 1, 5, 10 and 15 kGy and storage period effects on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contents of fava bean kernels (FBK) were investigated. PAHs were extracted from FBK (crop year 2017/2018) immediately post-harvest (Mars to late May 2017), and after six months of storage (12/05/2017 to 10/12/2017) and the PAHs, the concentration was determined at each dose using GC-MS analysis. Results demonstrated that the PAHs load in irradiated FBK was dramatically decreased as the applied dose increased. Interestingly, the decrease in the PAHs load six months post storage was less important compared with the post-harvest decrease. Moreover, the decrease in PAHs in kernels was in different trends towards irradiation used doses. Results suggest that a dose of ~ 20 kGy or higher is mandatory for preeminent hygiene of FBK from PAHs load during storage.