Work

Hand Warmers: A Cost-Effective Solution to Accelerate Oxygen Depletion During Hermetic Storage

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Postharvest grain losses often result from insect infestations. Hermetic storage creates airtight conditions that limit insect survival. However, oxygen depletion can be slow during hermetic storage, leading to a loss of grain quality and market value. Oxygen scavengers offer a solution to accelerate oxygen depletion. This study evaluated hand warmers as a cost-effective alternative to commercial oxygen scavengers. Experiments in sealed empty 4-gallon glass jars with 10-h hand warmers depleted oxygen faster and more cost-effectively than those with 2000 cc Oxy-Sorb oxygen absorbers. One hand warmer depleted similar amounts of oxygen as two Oxy-Sorb oxygen absorbers and reached the 5% threshold for pest suppression in 48 h. A follow-up study found that oxygen levels in empty 4-gallon jars dropped faster than in grain-filled 25-kg hermetic bags, with jars containing two or three hand warmers reaching the 5% threshold in the first 6 h. Temperature remained constant regardless of the number of hand warmers. At the same time, the relative humidity rose in empty jars but stayed stable in grain-filled hermetic bags, with no effect on grain quality. Hand warmers can potentially serve as cost-effective alternatives to commercial oxygen scavengers in hermetic storage.

Source: Foods

DOI: 10.3390/foods14040548

Authors: Wenbo Li, John Stephen Yaninek, Kingsly Ambrose, Dieudonne Baributsa

Institution: Purdue University West Lafayette

Language: English

Topic: Insect Pest Control Strategies

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499