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J.Health Sci., 48(5), 418-426, 2002

Hydrocarbon Productions in Hexane Solutions of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters Irradiated with Gamma Rays

Makoto Miyahara,*, a Akiko Saito,b Tomomi Kamimura,b Taeko Nagasawa,b Hitoshi Ito,c and Masatake Toyodaa

aNational Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan, bKitasato University,1-15-1 Kitasato, Sagamihara 228, Kanagawa 228-8555, Japan, and cThe Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute Takasaki Radiation Establishment, 1233 Watanukimati, Takasaki City, Gunma 370-1207, Japan

Five fatty acid methyl esters in hexane were irradiated in order to obtain basic data regarding the detection of irradiation of fatty foods. Fifteen hydrocarbons which were formed by radiolysis of fatty acid methyl esters were detected using capillary gas chromatography accompanied by mass spectrometry. Dose response was observed at the range of 0.74 kGy to 10 kGy. The yields of the hydrocarbons increased as the dose increased. Clear dose rate effects were not observed at the range of 10 kGy/hr to 500 Gy/hr. Temperature effects on the formation of the hydrocarbons were observed at the range of -40 to 20 degrees Celsius. Their yields were increased as the temperature rose. The effects of oxygen level in the container were examined. The yields in the containers that contained oxygen absorbers were 5-41% of those under normal pressure. Eminent reduction of hydrocarbon yields were observed in the containers that contained oxygen absorbers. Remarkable solvent effects on the formation of the hydrocarbons were observed. The yields of hydrocarbons in benzene solution were reduced to 60-95% of those in hexane. Thus, radiolytic degradation of fatty acid methyl ethers were affected mainly by absorbed dose, irradiation temperature, oxygen pressure, and fatty acid components.