ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Optimization of lemon peel adsorbent for clarification of date syrup

Saade Abdalkareem Jasim, Ahmed Fadhil Hashim, RenukaJyothi S, G. Sridevi, Kamlesh Chaudhary, Swati Sharma, Subasini Uthirapathy, Muthena karieme, Hanen Mahmod Hulail, and Wesam R. Kadhum

Medical Laboratory Techniques Department, College of Health and Medical Technology, University of Al-maarif, Anbar, Iraq

E-mail: saade.a.j@uoa.edu.iq

Received: 5 June 2025  Accepted: 5 October 2025

Abstract:

Considering that widely consumed sugars, such as sucrose extracted from sugarcane and sugar beet, are harmful, there has been an increasing trend toward consuming dietary sweeteners. Date syrup, although rich in natural sugars, is often opaque due to pectin and protein content, making clarification necessary. In this study, natural lemon peel was applied as a low-cost adsorbent to remove color and turbidity from date syrup. Using response surface methodology (RSM), the process was optimized with temperature (30–70 °C) and stirring speed (100–400 rpm) as variables. Optimal conditions were 55 °C and 151 rpm, achieving 50.6% color and turbidity removal and a final concentration of 0.4906 g/mL. The Brix level showed only a 7% decrease, while particle size decreased from ~ 4500 to ~ 2000 nm, improving clarity. These findings demonstrate the potential of lemon peel as an effective natural adsorbent for beverage clarification.

Keywords: Optimization; Lemon Peel; Natural Absorbent; Decolorization; Turbidity Removal; Dates Syrup; Experimental Design

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04430-9

Chemical Papers 80 (1) 809–819 (2026)