ESPECTROLIVE PROJECT “Research into the use of spectroscopy and complementary technologies in the detection of phytosanitary products in situ in whole olives”.
Objective: To research the application of spectroscopy and electronic nose technologies for the detection of phytosanitary products in whole olives in situ in order to ensure compliance with the regulated limits for these compounds in olive oils and to carry out real-time monitoring of the production process that allows rapid identification of problems and the adoption of immediate actions related to the presence of contaminants, helping to reduce waste and improving the efficiency and quality control of olive oils, while performing appropriate sorting of the fruit, prior to milling, to achieve “zero residues” oils, highly valued by today’s consumer.
Specific technical objectives by AOTECH:
Electronic nose
NIR (400 to 1,700 nm)
– Define the optimal configuration for the acquisition of olive spectra. – Acquisition of the spectra and development of a predictive model. This will be a qualitative model that detects the presence/absence of phytosanitary products. – As a secondary objective, a quantitative model will be developed, however, due to the low concentrations to be detected, the probability of success is low. – Validation of the models developed in a laboratory environment. – Analyse the different installation options of the NIR sensor in an olive mill to evaluate the needs of possible in-line integration.
Expected results:
- Real-time olive classification system based on the presence of contaminants.
Promotion of the health properties of olive oil as a sales argument for these products. - Improvement of olive oil export channels due to better compliance with the restrictive regulations on the presence of phytosanitary residues in olive oil.
- Improvement of the competitiveness of the olive oil sector and the associated auxiliary industry.
- Promotion in the agro-industrial sector of sensor technologies aligned with Industry 4.0.
Participating partners:
COORDINATOR: INOLEO
PARTICIPATING PARTNERS: SECPHO (SOUTHERN EUROPEAN CLUSTER IN PHOTONICS AND), AOTECH (ADVANCED OPTICAL TECHNOLOGIES S.L.), ISR (INTEGRACIÓN SENSORIAL Y ROBOTICA SL), UNIVERSIDAD DE JAÉN (UJA), UNIVERSIDAD DEL PAÍS VASCO (UPV/EHU)
Duration: 05/2023 to 04/2024
Total Budget: EUR 308,010
Aid programme: Programme to support AEIs in order to contribute to improving the competitiveness of Spanish industry. Call for proposals 2023
Funding authority: Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.
