Optimization of Bleaching Process of Crude Palm Oil by Activated Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) Peel Ash Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

The bleaching of crude palm oil using activated plantain peel ash (APPA) was studied in this work. Historical data design (HDD) in response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design was employed to optimize and correlate the process operating parameters (temperature, time and adsorbent dosage) to the percentage bleaching efficiency. The analysis of the results showed that the quadratic effects of the operating parameters were significant. The optimum condition for the maximum adsorption efficiency of 70.04% was obtained at 160°C temperature, 60 minutes reaction time, and 4 g adsorbent dosage. The predicted bleaching efficiency of 74% was in good agreement with the optimum experimental yield. This study has revealed that APPA is a good source of adsorbent for palm oil bleaching.