Mathematical model for the reduction of polyphenols in green tealeaf during withering in Low Temperature Nitrogen Plasma (LTNP) environment

Abstract

Green tealeaf was withered in Low Temperature Nitrogen Plasma (LTNP) environment. The result indicated LTNP environment reduced Polyphenols during withering. The reduction was caused by Polyphenol oxidation to other compounds due to the presence of oxygen. The rate of reduction of polyphenols (dPc/dt ) decreased with increasing withering time and as the remaining Polyphenol content (P_c) in the green tealeaf decreased. In both cases, (dPc/dt ) followed exponential type of function with coefficient of correlations of 0.943 and 0.899 respectively. The relationship of Pc and t followed an inverse proportionality function with coefficient of correlation of 0.843. Statistical analysis using MS-Excel of the experimental data indicated the mean dP_c dt in the green tealeaf during withering in LTNP environment was 7.522mg/h. The mathematical model equations for dPc/dt in green tealeaf against t, dP/dtc against Pc and Pc against t were as follows, dPc/dt= 94.00e^-0.43t, dPc/dt = 0.889e^{0.051 Pc} and p_c = -7.552t + 84.48 respectively.