The use of Ethylene gas (C2H4) is considered suitable for ripening of fruit. Due to low price, majority of farmers in Pakistan are using Calcium Carbide as alternative. When Calcium Carbide reacts with water, it produces Acetylene (C2H2) which behaves similar to ethylene gas.
CaC2 +2H2O→C2H2 + Ca(OH)2
These gases (C2H4 f C2H2) may be harmful by itself to the workers. But it may not be dangerous for the end users.
Question is that during quick ripening process the food quality of mango or other fruit is affected negatively?
Second part of the question is that Government of Pakistan (Punjab Food Authority) has banned the use of Calcium Carbide. Due to this, 3400 kg chemically treated mangoes were flooded into a river on 7.5.2018.
This method of disposal is Environment friendly? If not what may be a suitable method of its disposal?
I feel calcium carbide when come directly in contact with human than it causes health problems . If mangoes ripened by acetylene gas emitted by calcium carbide are disposed off there may not be hazardous provided calcium carbide salt is not physical present on fruits. Ofcourse this chemical is under ban for long time due to hazardous in nature but yet traders use it for ripening of fruits due to ease in availability and absence strict enforcement measures. Mangoes should be ripened safely with ethylene gas or can also be ripened at regulated temperature of 25 degree.
Exposing partially ripe fruit to 1-MCP before cutting or
after cutting may be a useful supplement to proper temper-
ature and relative humidity management and chemical dips
for maintaining quality of fresh-cut fruit products. I attach an article on this interesting topic.
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