Engineering Development of a Pulsed Electric Field System for Heavy Metal Reduction in Blood Clams (Anadara Granosa)
Received: 3 November 2025 | Revised: 27 November 2025 | Accepted: 5 December 2025 | Online: 26 December 2025
Corresponding author: Arry Darmawan
Abstract
Blood clams (Anadara granosa) are valuable seafood prone to heavy metal contamination, particularly iron (Fe) and lead (Pb). This study developed and evaluated a Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) system integrated with an automatic conveyor as a non-thermal method to reduce heavy metals through electroporation. PEF treatment was applied at 10.5 kV/cm for 30, 60, and 90 s, and metal levels were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The 90-second treatment reduced Fe and Pb by 49.41% and 49.40%, respectively, without significantly affecting protein content (p > 0.05). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed electroporation with visible membrane pores. Phase-Resolved Partial Discharge (PRPD) analysis confirmed corona discharge within safe limits. The conveyor-based PEF prototype showed stable electrical and mechanical performance, minimal temperature rise, and efficient load handling. Overall, this solid-state cascade PEF system offers an energy-efficient and safe approach for reducing heavy metals in seafood while maintaining nutritional quality.
Keywords:
Pulsed Electric Field (PEF), blood clams, electroporation, heavy metal, foodDownloads
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Copyright (c) 2025 Qirom Qirom, Rony Darpono, Arry Darmawan, Muladi Putra Mahardika, Adji Parikesit, Fithria Novianti, Rini Handayani, Andrianopsyah Mas Jaya Putra
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