Decolorization of Low Molecular Compounds of Seaweed by Using Activated Carbon

Abstract

Commercially available carrageenan powder which is extracted from seaweed possesses yellowish color and off-odor that deter their usage in human food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The objective of this study was to investigate of decolorization of low molecular compounds of seaweed using activated carbon (AC). The effects of changes on AC dosage, temperature and contact time were investigated. The effect of color concentration was analysed using Hunter Laboratories ColorFlex® Colorimeter. Colors were measured in reflectance mode using the Hunter L a b system, with D65 as the illuminant and a 10 o standard observer angle. It was observed that an increase in activated carbon dosage decreases color. UV VIS Spectrophotometer was used to investigate whether adsorbed sample gives an effect to the molecular compounds before and after AC addition. In conclusion, the treatment using AC gives complete decolorization of carrageenan solution. This study also confirms contact time not really affected on bleaching process.