Optimization of Decolorization of Nannochloropsis oceanica Oil by Response Surface Methodology

The optimization of the decolorization of crude oil extracted from Nannochloropsis oceanica, rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), was carried out using one-factor-at-a-time method and response surface methodology. Using a Box-Behnken design, a mathematical model was established indicating the effects of decolorizing agent dose, temperature and time on decolorization efficiency and oil recovery, respectively. The results showed that activated carbon exhibited the best decolorization efficiency. A decolorizing agent dose of 3.8 g/100 mL, a temperature of 68℃ and a decolorization time of 54 min were found to be the optimal conditions to obtain a higher decolorization efficiency of 98.05% and a higher oil recovery of 81.45% after three desorption cycles. © 2017, China Food Publishing Company. All right reserved.