Philippine E-Journals

POTENTIAL OF GAMMA-IRRADIATION IN INCREASING THE PECTIN YIELD FROM MANGO (MANGIFERA INDICA) PEELS

Rico Antonio S Mariano | Eliniel Valdez

 

Abstract:

The aim of this novel study is to find out if gamma-irradiation can increase the pectin yield of dried mango (carabao variety) peels once exposed to different doses as compared to non-irradiated mango peels. At the same time the utilization of mango peels as a source of pectin can harness the bioeconomy of this agricultural waste. The samples were prepared from four sets of ripe mango at 1 kilogram per set. Results showed that the dried mango peel of non-irradiated mango is 40 grams and 2 grams of pectin was extracted (5% yield). The next set was irradiated by 1 kGy (kiloGrey) and the 20 grams peel resulted to 2 grams of pectin (10% yield). When 25 grams of peel was exposed to 2 kGy, it gave 2.5 grams of pectin (10% yield). The highest weight of pectin was recorded when 25 grams of peel was exposed to 3.0 kGy that yielded 2.9 grams of pectin (11.6% yield). This study proved that exposing the mango to a certain dose of radiation, the pectin content of its dried peels can be significantly higher as compared to non-irradiated peels thus, can be an alternative to apple and citrus fruits as source of pectin. The result of this study has the potential to reduce and utilize such agricultural waste that can make mango exporting countries self-sufficient with respect to their pectin needs and can translate into significant dollar savings and create more jobs.