The Monte Carlo simulation is used to establish the most influential parameters on the final load of pulsed electric fields E. coli cells

Abstract

A Monte Carlo Simulation was performed for PEF treatment of a beverage containing orange and carrot juices at different concentrations. Results indicated that at low field intensities and 0% carrot juice, the initial contamination level is the most important parameter influencing the final number of microorganisms. As the percentage of carrot juice increased this parameter gained importance, although the initial number of microorganisms was still the most important parameter. For intermediate or higher field intensities, the most important factor determining the final number of microorganisms was energy. Nevertheless, as occurred at low field intensities (20 kV/cm) the percentage of carrot juice gained importance in terms of the number of microorganisms that survived PEF treatment.