Pasteurization microwave heating

Studies of microwave-assisted pasteurization and sterilization have been motivated by the fast and effective microwave heating of maity foods containing water or salts. Rosenberg and Bog (1987) reviewed it in detail. 

You can pasteurize your potting mix indoors in a conventional oven or microwave, or outdoors on a barbecue grill. Be aware, though, that heating soil will create a strong odor. If you re concerned about the smell lingering in your house, try the outdoor method. After treating the soil let it cool before you use it, or store it in a closed container. 

Exposure of E. coli to microwave treatments results in a reduction of the microbial population in apple juice. Canumir et al. (2002) determined the effect of pasteurization at different power levels (270-900 W) on the microbial quality of apple juice, using a domestic 2450 MHz microwave. The data obtained were compared with conventional pasteurization (83 °C for 30 s). Apple juice pasteurization at 720-900 W for 60-90 s resulted in a 2- to 4-log population reduction. Using a linear model, the D-values ranged from 0.42 0.03 minutes at 900 W to 3.88 0.26 minutes at 270 W. The value for z was 652.5 2.16 W (58.5 0.4°C). These observations indicate that inactivation of E. coli is due to heat. 

Reaction Conditions. Place the reaction vessel in the microwave cavity and, depending on the equipment used, position the pressure device on top. Program the microwave unit to heat the reaction mixture to 130 °C and hold at this temperature for 15 min. After heating, allow the reaction mixture to cool to 50 °C or below before removing the tube from the microwave unit. Transfer the reaction mixture with a Pasteur pipet into a 5.0-mL conical vial. Rinse... 

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