Optimizing pre-cooking treatment condition for reducing lead (Pb) content in Seaweed (Gracilaria sp.)

Abstract

Seaweeds are increasingly used in Indonesian cuisines due to their nutritional value and health benefits. In contrast to these benefits, they accumulate lead during their growth and exhibit potential health risks upon ingestion. To overcome these risks, some appropriate pre-cooking treatments are desired to reduce lead content. Sample of Gracilaria sp. will be treated by soaking before cooking. This study applied the Taguchi method to determine optimum pre-cooking treatment conditions to reduce the level of lead in Gracilaria sp. The control factors included soaking temperature, time reaction, potential of hydrogen and water volume are used for this research. The levels of lead were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). After these processes, lead contents were found to be successfully reduced and the results show that the optimal conditions during the soaking process can reduce the levels of lead of Gracilaria sp. until 56%.