A novel approach for the reduction of aflatoxin in pistachio nuts using experimental and MCNP simulation

Highlights: • A novel technique on reduction of aflatoxin-B1 (AFB1) in pistachio is demonstrated. • Gamma-ray exposure from radioactive granite rock (RGR) is used herein. • The effect of granite bed mass and exposure time on AFB1 reduction is assessed. • RGR provides a suitable substrate for safe storage of pistachios industrially. Humans are greatly affected by aflatoxin exposure via the dietary intake of pistachio nuts which pose a serious health risk. This study analysed the reduction of aflatoxin-B1 (AFB1) in pistachio using the exposure of gamma-rays of radioactive granite rock (RGR). The AFB1 level was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Meanwhile, the reduction of AFB1 in pistachios was examined in two steps. In the first step, AFB1 reduction was examined via different masses of pistachio paste placed on the RGR bed which measured approximately 45% of AFB1 reduction. Whereas, 97% reduction in AFB1 was observed in pistachios within the small packets placed on the RGR bed. The second step was designed to investigate the effects of irradiation time and mass of RGR bed on the AFB1 reduction using RGR bed. Based on the results, the increase in AFB1 reduction level was recorded by increasing the γ-ray irradiation time and the mass of RGR. Through the introduction of the pistachio dosimetric AFB1 reduction coefficient (η), an empirical formula was developed to predict the amount of AFB1 reduction in the pistachio by RGR bed. Overall, the consistency level between empirical formulas and practical results is about 84–87%. Meanwhile, the gamma radiation was calculated using the Monte Carlo N Particle eXtended (MCNPX) simulation code. In conclusion, the proposed novel technique demonstrated RGR to be a suitable industrial substrate for safe and hygienic storage of pistachios.