Engineering Development of a Pulsed Electric Field System for Heavy Metal Reduction in Blood Clams (Anadara Granosa)

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.