Adsorption Isotherms and Thermodynamic Properties of Dried Tomato Slices
Abstract
Adebowale AA, Akinniyi G, Shittu TA, Adegoke AF, Omohimi CI, Sobukola OP, Onabanjo OO, Adegunwa MO, Kajihausa OE, Dairo OU, Abdulsalam-Saghir P, Sanni LO, Siwoku BO, Okoruwa AE
Moisture adsorption isotherms and thermodynamic properties of dried tomato slices obtained from four tomato varieties were investigated. Freshly harvested tomatoes were pretreated with potassium metabisulphite solution (0.2%, weight/volume) before drying in a cabinet dryer at 60± 2° C. Moisture adsorption behavior of the dried tomato slices was determined using the static gravimetric method at 25, 30 and 40o C. The data fitted to GAB, M.BET, DLP, Smith and Oswin sorption models. The isosteric heat of sorption was also determined. Moisture adsorption isotherm of dried tomato slices from UC82B, Roma, Eva-F1 and Kerewa varieties exhibited a sigmoid isotherm curve typical of type II BET classification. Increase in temperature resulted into a decrease in the equilibrium moisture content. The GAB, DLP and modified BET model adequately modeled the isotherms of dried tomato slices. The relationship between isosteric heat of sorption and the equilibrium moisture of dried tomato slices were accurately described by exponential model.