J. Phys. IV France 125 (2005) 873-875
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:2005125202

Photoacoustic study of the influence of the cooling temperature on the CO₂ emission rate by Carica papaya L. in modified atmosphere

D.U. Schramm¹, M.S. Sthel¹, M.G. da Silva¹, L.O. Carneiro¹, H.R.F. Silva², M.L.L. Martins², E.D. Resende², L. Vitorazi² and H. Vargas<sup>1

1</sup>  Laboratório de Ciências físicas, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia, Av. Alberto Lamego 2000, 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
²  Laboratório de Tecnologia de Alimentos, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Av. Alberto Lamego 2000, 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil

Abstract
The monitoring of trace gas emitted by papaya fruits and assessments of its mass loss can contribute to improve the conditions for their storage and transport. The C0₂ emission rate by the papaya fruits, monitored by a commercial infrared-based gas analyzer, was influenced by the temperature and storage time. The fruits stored at temperature of 13 °C accumulated more CO₂ inside the PEBD bags than those fruits stored at 6 °C. The loss of mass of the fruits progressively increased with storage time for both temperatures until the saturation of the moisture inside the PEBD bag, been more pronounced at 13 ºC.

© EDP Sciences 2005