El ozono: una alternativa sustentable en el tratamiento poscosecha de frutas y hortalizas

Abstract

An analysis about the results and the application conditions with the objective to evaluate the ozone as a
sustainable alternative for fruits and vegetables postharvest treatment was carried out. The information recovery was based
on databases, web sites, and specialized journals in the field. Information from abstracts and published papers, mostly
from 1999 to 2009, it was classified by different aspects of interest. The EndNote software was used to create a database
in order to manage information efficiently. Some results were assessed concerning ozone application in the gaseous and
aqueous phases for fruits and vegetables treatment, storage and processing. The application of ozone under relatively
low concentrations and short contact times, allows the inactivation of microorganisms, ensures the quality of agricultural
product and increases its resistance to spoilage. Ozone is a strong antimicrobial agent and it spontaneously decomposes
to oxygen without forming toxic residues. The washing process water can be reused with the ozone use, decreasing costs
of operation and environmental impact of effluents. The use of ozone should be considered a sustainable alternative in
the postharvest treatment of fruits and vegetables, and it requires a place in the strategy for sustainable development,
in both developed and developing countries, taking into account the necessity of agricultural production increase and
the search for viable alternatives for treatment and conservation of these agricultural products. It is recommended to
undertake, for each product, a previous study of treatment conditions and an integral analysis of the management system
to achieve a major impact and feasibility by using ozone.