Effect of ultraviolet light application on the quality of tucumã pulp.

The application of ultraviolet (UV) light, especially in the UV-C range, has emerged as a sustainable technology for the conservation of native Amazonian species, contributing to increased shelf life and maintenance of the quality of fruits, pulps, and plant products from regional biodiversity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of applying ultraviolet light at different exposure times (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 min) on the pulp quality of tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum). After application, pH and acidity analyses were performed. The results suggest that increasing the exposure time to ultraviolet light promoted important physicochemical changes in the sample, mainly related to the acidification of the system. The gradual reduction in pH values accompanied by an increase in acidity indicates that UV radiation may have induced oxidative processes and degradation of organic compounds present in the matrix. The 6-minute treatment showed the most intense response, characterized by the lowest pH and highest acidity, indicating that this period possibly corresponded to the point of greatest oxidative stress promoted by UV radiation (Tukey p<0.05).