ADSORPTION-ISOTHERMS OF SQUASH (CUCURBITA-MOSCHATA) SEED OIL ON ACTIVATED CARBON

With vegetal carbon as adsorbent (5% w/w), the effects of temperature (30-degrees-C and 50-degrees-C), concentration of H2O (0% and 25%) and adsorption time (0 hr, 1 hr, 2 hr, 3 hr) on the chemical characteristics of unrefined Cucurbita moschata seed oil were studied in a batch adsorption system by using a "split-plot" experimental design. With the exception of the iodine value, the chemical properties of the oil (saponification and peroxide value, carotenoid, and free fatty acids concentration) were affected significantly by interactions among the adsorption time, temperature and concentration of H2O in the adsorption system. The results suggest that the physicochemical characteristics of the oil, and therefore its functional properties, may be modified and controlled by the conditions utilized during the adsorption process.